Office gifting trends shift amid rising living costs

Trends in workplace gifting are shifting as employees navigate the impact of rising living costs.

GroupTogether, an online platform known for coordinating group cards and gifts, has identified significant changes in office gifting behaviour. The number of colleagues contributing to group gifts has declined by nearly 20% between 2021 and 2024, while the average amount given per gift has seen a rise of 13.7% during the same period.

The data indicate a trend where fewer people participate in group gifts, but those who do contribute are opting to donate more substantial amounts, likely focusing their generosity on colleagues with whom they have closer working relationships.

Ali Linz, Co-Founder of GroupTogether, commented on the findings, "We've seen the number of people contributing to a gift decrease by almost 20% from 2021 to 2024, but the average amount contributed has increased by 13.7% in this timeframe. In addition, we're seeing more people choosing to just 'sign the card,' but those who are closer to the person leaving are chipping in more towards the gift so the recipient gets something really special."

Insights from GroupTogether also highlight the importance office workers place on expressing gratitude within the workplace. Of those surveyed, 47% regard showing appreciation as important, particularly towards colleagues they favour. Additionally, a notable 16.7% of employees expressed hope that their colleagues would contribute to farewell gifts for them.

Linz elaborated on the platform's approach, "Because GroupTogether lets you make chipping in money completely optional but still lets you write a message in the card, it's a really inclusive way to organise office gifts. The group doesn't see who gave what, and it's all done online, so no one knows whether you're putting in $2 , $20, or simply leaving a thoughtful message. Plus, with unlimited messages on the card and the ability to upload photos, the truly special moment happens when the recipient reads the heartfelt messages on the card and sees the love from everyone."

The platform has also offered strategies to adapt office gifting practices to be more thoughtful and financially feasible during challenging economic times. One suggestion is focusing on the power of words, with heartfelt messages often having more significant impact than the monetary value of the gift itself.

They also recommend group gifting as a cost-effective way to pool resources, allowing for a meaningful collective gesture without individual financial strain. The option to participate in the group gesture without a monetary contribution ensures inclusivity.

Gift cards continue to be favourable, with 80% of employees reportedly preferring them over other non-cash incentives. GroupTogether's "AnyCard" caters for this preference, allowing recipients to choose from a wide range of retailers, ensuring a tailor-made blessing.

Moreover, recognising and celebrating milestones, even small ones, is advocated as important for fostering positive employee relationships and a supportive workplace environment. Such celebrations can strengthen team bonds and affirm individual contributions.