Recent data projects that hospitals will face a shortage of 100,000 critical care workers by 2028. Meanwhile, other sectors like long-term care are already experiencing severe shortages of 130,000+ workers compared to pre-pandemic staffing levels.
This stark reality — combined with the fact that Millennial and Gen Z workers are less likely than previous generations to stay in their jobs for long periods of time — means competition for healthcare workers is fierce. Many employers now offer hefty signing bonuses and other incentives to attract new workers, driving up the cost of recruitment and making it more crucial than ever to prioritize employee retention.
Happy employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay in their jobs than those who don’t. And though healthcare workers are primarily motivated by increased pay and adequate time off, high-quality promo items are another way to improve morale.
The key is to choose merch employees will actually want and use — not items that they’ll toss in the trash. These gifts may require a bit more investment. But given what’s at stake, it’s an investment you can’t afford not to make.
To that end, here are three general tips — and twelve specific product ideas — to make Employee Appreciation Day meaningful and impactful.
Tip #1: Meet Healthcare Workers’ Practical Needs
Today’s healthcare workers are stretched to the max. Units are perpetually understaffed, making it nearly impossible for employees to leave their healthcare facility mid-shift to get coffee or lunch. And many pick up extra shifts at the last minute to cover for unexpected call-offs, so they frequently bring toiletries and an extra change of clothes with them in their work bags.
How can you make these challenges more manageable? Provide thoughtful, high-quality items that meet their practical, everyday needs.
Quilted Lunch Cooler
Help employees keep meals and snacks fresh during long shifts with a premium quilted lunch cooler. The durable quilted exterior protects against wear and tear, while the spacious interior easily fits multiple containers and drinks. Featuring an insulated PEVA liner and external pockets for utensils, this cooler is sturdy and long-lasting.
Zippered Tote Bag
Watch any healthcare worker make their way into the building and you’ll see just how many bags they tend to carry with them. Our large zippered tote reduces the need for multiple bags, offering separate compartments to keep personal items separate from work essentials. The high-quality all-natural cotton canvas is built tough to handle the demands of frequent and heavy use. And dedicated pockets keep workers’ phones, ID badges, and other necessities within quick reach.
Stainless Steel Tumbler
Staying hydrated is an essential element of employee wellness. By providing a stainless hot-or-cold tumbler, you can enable workers to keep their beverages at the perfect temperature through every shift. Made with a stainless steel interior and exterior, each tumbler features a 40 ounce capacity, handle, and straw. The double wall, vacuum-insulated construction keeps beverages hot or cold for hours, and the screw-on, spill-resistant lid reduces accidents. This product is BPA free and meets FDA requirements. The durable powder coating resists scratches, and the slim design fits standard cup holders and nursing station drink spaces.
Hand Lotions and/or Lip Balms
Combat the effects of frequent hand washing and mask wear with branded hand lotions and lip balms. Fast-absorbing, non-greasy lotions restore moisture to sanitizer-stressed skin, while protective lip balms soothe and hydrate chapped and cracked lips. Both products meet FDA requirements and are small enough to fit in scrub pockets.
Tip #2: Pamper Employees With Comfort-Focused Gifts
Healthcare workers spend long hours on their feet and often sacrifice their own comfort to care for others. Show them you understand their physical demands by providing luxurious items that promote relaxation and self-care. These four recommendations are sure to fit the bill:
Give the gift of relief with a portable foot spa that soothes tired feet after demanding shifts. Features like adjustable heat settings, massage rollers, and bubble jets will ease muscle tension, while elements like raised nodes provide targeted pressure point relief. This gift is perfect for anyone in need of stress relief — whether they spend long hours on their feet or not!
Total Comfort Spa Kit
Upgrade break time with premium self-care essentials. Our portable spa kit comes in an imprintable, zippered bag and contains an arched roller eye massager, cool gel eye mask and a palm/foot massage ball.
Robe and Slipper Socks
Promote post-shift recovery and relaxation with plush robes and sigh-worthy slipper socks. The robe features deep pockets and an adjustable belt, while the slipper socks provide cloud-like comfort for tired feet. Both items are machine washable and durable enough to maintain their softness through repeated use.
Blankets
Is there anything more cozy and comforting than curling up under the weight of a soft, warm blanket? Choose a weighted option for anxiety and stress relief or a lightweight fleece option for all-weather comfort. Our premium fabrics resist pilling and static, while the generous size provides full coverage.
Tip #3: Take Tried-and-True Branded Apparel to the Next Level
While branded apparel is a traditional choice for employee gifts, today's healthcare workers expect more than cheap, logo-stamped t-shirts. Modern healthcare professionals want versatile, high-quality pieces that complement their active lifestyle and professional image. Premium materials, thoughtful designs, and contemporary styles are key to building brand loyalty while offering employees clothing choices they’ll actually wear. Here are four elevated apparel options that go beyond the basics:
Lightweight Jacket
Jackets featuring moisture-wicking material and strategic ventilation can help employees maintain comfort during temperature changes between units. With a flattering fit and modern design, the jacket also transitions seamlessly from work to casual wear. And of course, it’s available in a wide range of sizes to ensure every team member feels comfortable and included.
Long-sleeved T-shirt
A lightweight yet durable long-sleeved T-shirt is an ideal solution for healthcare workers who need to dress in layers. This shirt provides warmth without bulk under scrubs or lab coats. It's made of 6.1 oz. 100% pre-shrunk Ultra Cotton and features double-needle stitching throughout as well as shoulder-to-shoulder taping.
Compression Socks
Support hardworking legs with medical-grade compression socks, designed specifically for healthcare professionals. These socks feature graduated compression to improve circulation during long shifts, moisture-wicking fibers to maintain dry comfort, and reinforced heels and toes for extended durability. Available in multiple sizes and compression levels to meet individual needs.
Baseball Cap or Winter Hat
Who doesn’t love a good hat? Adjustable baseball caps for warmer months and knit beanies for winter offer employees great options for year-round comfort. Both styles feature classy branded elements and contemporary designs to make these pieces popular for both work and weekend wear.
Make Employee Appreciation Day a Hallmark of Your Employee Retention Plan
Your employees need to know they are valued, appreciated, and needed. But according to analysis done by Gallup:
…only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days. At any given company, it's not uncommon for employees to feel that their best efforts are routinely ignored. Further, employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they'll quit in the next year.
Are you truly making your employees feel valued?
By investing in thoughtfully selected promotional items, you can show your healthcare workers that you understand and appreciate their unique needs and challenges. And when you do, you’ll communicate the most important message of all: They’re essential to your patients and your organization.
Want to learn more about the promotional items described in this article? Start your free, no-obligation quote here. Or simply get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.