Remote work has plenty of perks for employees who can maintain a sense of balance even though they often live, work, and play within the confines of their own home. This work setup diminishes the time a person needs to drive to and from work. As a result, they have more hours to cultivate their personal relationships, practice self-care and self-improvement, or pursue various hobbies and interests.
However, working apart from the rest of their team members can also hinder proper communication and make it difficult for new employees to get a feel of the company culture.
There are many ways to get around this, including sending care packages to the team members once in a long while. In addition to expressing the company’s concern for the employee’s well-being, care packages can be used to reinforce company values. These packages can also remind remote workers that everyone in the company is working together despite being physically apart.
If you were to send a care package to your company employees or teammates, what should the package include? Below are some work-from-home care package ideas that many employees would be excited to receive:
1. Pet Care Package
An essential aspect of working from home is making sure that you can focus on the task in front of you, and this can be quite a challenge if you have pets that crave and demand your attention every waking minute.
If you have a lot of pet parents in your team, you can assemble a care package that’s filled with dog or cat treats and supplies. The box can include custom martingale dog collars in your company’s colors, pet-friendly stuffed toys, collapsible bowls, and other accessories.
2. Snack Box
Sometimes, a snack is all a person needs to make sure that they can devote their entire attention to the task at hand. Why not make this the highlight of your care package? You can go the healthy route and fill the box with nuts, dried and candied fruits, and trail mixes. Alternatively, the box can include the common snacks that your team can find in the canteen or the office vending machine.
3. Caffeine Station
Some of your team members likely need a bit of a pick-me-up before they can tackle the bulk of their tasks in the morning. How about making it easier for them to get their daily caffeine fix? Your next care package can include selected beans or instant coffee mixes so that your team members can fix themselves a cup right before they sit down in front of their workstation.
If they have a unique coffee preference, you can help them get the exact mix they want by providing them a mug, a coffee press, or tools to make a great pour-over coffee.
4. Pop-up Library
Perhaps some of your team members have expressed a desire to improve themselves while they have a bit of free time on their hands. If so, support this endeavor by sending them self-help books that will empower them to determine their goals and realize their full potential. You can even start a book club for those who are interested in engaging in stress-free book discussions now and then.
5. Mindfulness Package
Between working and doing chores at home, it can be difficult for people to find the time to practice mindfulness and enjoy all the benefits of this activity. Remind your team to take care of themselves by sending them a mindfulness package with a small journal, wholesome and healthy snacks, and scented oils, candles, or incense sticks to set the mood for meditation.
6. Indoor Gardening Kit
A bit of green in the workplace can help elevate one’s mood, but not everyone has the space for a garden. Fortunately, you can still bring a bit of greenery to your team members’ home workspace by sending them a gardening kit.
Make sure to pick a small but hardy plant that even beginners will have an easy time taking care of. Alternatively, you can send mint and basil plants that your team members can use as spices in their kitchens.
7. A Collection of Puzzles
Puzzles can be fun for people of all ages. Remind your team members how fun problem-solving activities can be by sending them well-curated puzzles for adults. For team members that have kids, it’s also a good idea to include a puzzle or two that they can solve together as a family.
Sending a care package to your team members is a great way of letting them know that you see and appreciate their contribution to the company despite working out of the office. Receiving the same boxes as the rest of the team also allows the members to share experiences despite working apart from each other. This sense of belongingness and expression of care from the management team can help boost morale even during difficult situations.
Cover photo credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels
