TEAM BUILDING GIFTING GIFTING NADINE WATERFIELD THE EXPERT: Nadine Waterfi eld, founder, Gift Smack Gift Company, Lacombe, Alta. THE VIEW FROM HERE: Gift boxes—a trend that blew up over the pandemic, is still going strong, says Waterfi eld, but their intent is evolving. “There’s still a number of companies with employees who are working remotely, so they align the boxes with their quarterly virtual meeting. Others are sending them for employee onboarding.” WHAT’S TRENDING: And what’s in the box? “Consumables,” says Waterfi eld, “whether it’s food or self-care items— things that people can use. On the food side, it’s cookies, chocolate, tea, coffee, brittle and popcorn. For self-care, gender- neutral bath items, such as aromatherapy shower steamers, are gaining popularity. Waterfi eld is seeing a rise in requests for locally sourced gifts, citing a national client who has requested that their recipients receive gifts sourced from their own provinces. And gift boxes have been elevated to become a “an experience in a box,” says Waterfi eld. “If we’re making a Holiday Box, with hot chocolate, treats and a puzzle, we might add a list of suggested movies and music, just to make it a more rounded gift, projecting how clients see the people enjoying the gift.” INSIDER TIP: In terms of packaging, Waterfi eld says preferences are split down the middle: Those who want a very polished presentation, like a rigid box with high-end accoutrements, and clients who prefer an eco-friendly mailer, which costs less to package and mail. “It really depends on budget and the overall intent of the gift.” EXPERT: Scott Kress, president, Summit Team Building, St. Catharines, Ont. THE VIEW FROM HERE: Kress says his company saw a huge surge in in-person team building as soon as restrictions lifted. “Teams are meeting in-person for the fi rst time in two years and there are many people who have never met in-person.” WHAT’S TRENDING: “Teams do not want to spend countless hours in a meeting room poring over data, they want to reconnect and reengage. Although there are some benefi ts to a remote work environment, it has been hard on team culture, communication, collaboration and trust—elements that are critical to high performance. Our most popular team- building programs get people out of the meeting room and actively engaging with one another to build strong relationships.” INSIDER TIP: “As teams have reconnected, many have discovered that their culture and operation are not optimal. They are turning to training and development workshops to help rebuild their team skills and performance. Reconnecting through team building is important, but without the proper team skills, you will stall recovery.” Winter 2022/23 | Ignitemag.ca | 31
