5-Minute Guide on Human Resource Management - Improving Employee Wellness with Inexpensive Gifts
Employee Wellness Statistics:
As of 2025, approximately 51% of U.S. companies with over 50-employees had established wellness programs.
As of 2024, 91% of employers who had wellness programs planned to increase their investments in their wellness programs.
By one rough estimate, perhaps as few as 15% of U.S. companies provide their employees with gifts to promote physical and mental wellness.
Employee Wellness Program Costs Versus Wellness Gift Cost:
Basic Wellness Tier Program = $150 to $300 per employee
Intermediate Wellness Tier Program = $300 to $500 per employee
Top Tier Wellness Program = $500 to +$1,000
Low Level Wellness Gifts = $25 to $50
Mid-Level Wellness Gifts = $50 to $100
Top-Level Wellness Gifts = +$100
The Financial Benefits of Physical & Mental Wellness at Work:
Studies have shown that for every $1 spent by on employee wellness gifts and programs, there is an average return of $4 in increased worker productivity.
Organizations with a strong employee wellness culture average 50% lower healthcare costs that those that don’t.
84% of employees participating in physical & mental wellness programs thought positively about their employer as compared to the national average of only 44%.
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that organizations with strong employee wellness programs can reduce worker turnover rates by up to 50%.
Employees participating in wellness programs reported a 24% higher work engagements rate than the national average.
The Values That Employee Wellness Gifts Bring:
Improved Employee Morale & Work Satisfaction.
Physical & Mental Wellness Support.
Improved Employee Retention Levels.
Real Cost Savings Through Lower Health Insurance Costs.
Reinforcement of The Company Culture.
INEXPENSIVE PHYSICAL WELLNESS GIFTS:
Hydration Bottles
Healthy Snack Baskets
Fitness Tracking Watches (Lower End Type)
Paid Wellness Subscription Apps for Mobile Devices
Healthy Foods Cookbooks
Herbal Tea Packages
Paid or Discounted Monthly Gym Memberships
Desk Workout Equipment
Men’s or Women’s Self Care Kits
Healthy Meals Discounts at Local Restaurants
INEXPENSIVE MENTAL WELLNESS GIFTS:
Outdoor Bird Feeders
Therapy Teas
Men’s or Women’s Bath Gift Sets
Scented Candles
Stress Relief Devices Such as Squeeze Balls
Men’s or Women’s Self Care Gift Boxes
Health Magazine Subscriptions
Men’s or Women’s Themed Wellness Journals
Light Therapy Lamps
Inspirational Wall Calendars
Occasions to Distribute Wellness Gifts:
Employee Birthdays
Work Anniversaries
New Hire Onboarding
Company Holiday Celebrations
Employee Meetings
Promotions
Retirements
The Key Takeaway:
A thoughtful & personalized $25 employee wellness gift can more of an impact on a worker than a generic $100-gift card.
About the Author:
Rob Brooks is the Loss Control Manager for Centurion Insurance Services in Charleston, West Virginia. He has over 40-years experience in his profession having worked for some of the leading insurance carriers and brokers. Rob has professional certifications in both human resource management (CHRS) and workers compensation (CWCP) from Michigan State University’s School of Human Resources & Labor Relations.
Disclaimer:
This publication is intended for general educational purposes only, and not to be considered as business, financial or legal advice.
Centurion Insurance Services and the writer makes no guarantees or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the reliability, completeness or suitability of the information contained herein.
Readers should consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on the content of this newsletter.
We will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.
