As a socially-responsible company, Gifting Ideas conducted a Sustainability Workshop for its employees on November 16th, 2019 at the Head Office in Mumbai with the purpose of exploring possibilities to make our workplace as well as our work practices more sustainable. 

We were put into 4 groups and given 4 topics on which we were to give our suggestions. These included sustainability in our office locations, in our operations and warehouse, in our products and finally, with the people we work with. All participants' suggestions were noted down and then communicated to the rest by one member from each group. 

Several of the solutions presented had real possibilities and were adapted into our work culture. We also made a pledge to use sustainable products and keep our surroundings as eco-friendly as possible.

Providing invaluable services to our customers is part of Gifting Ideas' vision. In order to achieve this, we are aware that we must address issues faced by customers and improve their experience with us to the best possible one. On June 29th, 2019, we invited all our teams to an Open House forum for this very purpose.

All participants were asked to write down the problems they felt that clients faced while working with us. This was done anonymously so that no employee felt any fear of retribution for their honesty. From Order Execution and Logistics to Sampling and Invoicing, Product Suggestions and Client Servicing - all customer touch points were covered.

Subsequently, each problem was discussed under the department responsible for it with all teams contributing their suggestions and solutions. The workshop concluded with assigned persons from each department responsible for an action plan based on this interactive session.

At Gifting Ideas, we have an annual tradition. A tradition where old employees and new can meet; where we reflect on the past year and gear up for the new one; where achievements are rewarded and motivation is generated. We call this tradition the 'All Hands Meet' and the last one unfolded on March 30th, 2019.

Employees from across all Gifting Ideas branches, including our warehouse, came together for this event which is usually conducted at the end or beginning of the financial year. The company director briefed us all on the past year's performance - both monetary and otherwise - and also on the new strategies to increase turnover.

Other highlights of the event included presentations from the Heads of each Department and from HR with a new events and training calendar for employees. Employees were invited to share their feedback for the company's growth and the best performers of the year were given awards.

A birthday is a cause for celebration in any family. And the Gifting Ideas family is no different. That's why at the end of each month, all employees who had birthdays in that month are given a little celebration, courtesy of the company. Our HR department arranges cakes and snacks for everybody in the office - a fun practice that happens across all branches and our warehouse.

Because Gifting Ideas is like one big, happy family, our employees' children are like an extension of our own family. So when Children's Day came around this year, we invited all employee's kids to the office for the day. The kids played fun games like Passing the Ball, Musical Chairs,etc. and were given gifts for winning. They all loved watching the movies that we screened for them, especially Shinchan and The Jungle Book. After tucking into lunch at the office, they left with return gifts as a memory of this great day at their mum or dad's workplace.

The Sales and Procurement team at Gifting Ideas regularly communicate and negotiate with our clients and vendors. In order for these interactions to be successful, their communication skills need to be extremely effective. So on 17th and 18th July, 2019, we invited an external trainer to conduct a workshop on 'Effective Business Communication and Negotiation to Win-Win'. The two-day workshop was a vital training for our employees to make their daily customer interactions more effective.

As a proudly Indian company, Gifting Ideas celebrated India's Independence Day one day earlier on August 14th, 2019 in the office space. We asked employees to wear any one of the three colours from the Indian flag to work that day. Tri-colour balloons and ribbons were hung all around the office to add to the celebratory vibe and employees participated in games that tested their knowledge of National Leaders, Indian History and Patriotism.

At Gifting Ideas, we encourage our employees to lead a wholesome life that includes staying mentally and physically fit. As part of this endeavor, we organise either a Masala Bhangra or Power Yoga workout once a month for all our employees across all branches.Employees enjoy doing the Masala Bhangra because it's a fun way to burn the calories, enhance heart function and increase stamina. This popular dance form gives them all benefits of a cardio workout. Yoga on the other hand, is a way of life with the aim of a healthy mind and body. Practicing it improves our employees attention, focus and concentration at work.

On March 2nd, 2019, we organised a workshop called 'Using Mind Power for Massive Success and Happiness'. Through the course of the day, the trainer conducted practical sessions and activities to teach employees how to visualise success, direct the mind towards achieving it, how to set goals, control thoughts, get in touch with the mind and more such exercises.

Everybody likes to get recognized for their good work. That's why we conduct regular activities every month, quarter and year to reward Gifting Ideas' star performers and to motivate other employees towards achieving the same.

The Head of each Department nominates their top performer and a committee selects the winners according to the highest number of votes. Awards include  Employee of the Year, Employee of the Month, Attitude & Initiative, Ideas at Work, Leadership, Best Debutant and a Special Award.

Christmas arrived early at Gifting Ideas last year! On December 23rd, 2019, the celebrations kicked off in the office with all employees dressed in red and white themed with Christmas season. Everybody got a gift from their Secret Santa as well. The day was full of cheer as employees participated in games designed to test their minds followed by snacks and cake cutting.

On 28th to 30th November 2019,  the Gifting Ideas Sales Team gathered at the Ramee Hotel in Dadar, Mumbai for an Annual Sales Meet.

Experiences and achievements were shared; branch sales performances and individual sales targets were discussed and incentives were announced by the Director.

The entire Sales Team was also given training about new products in the local and international markets by our Marketing Team. A good range of customised samples for key clients was presented to the team as well as lessons on pitching exclusive international products to all clients.