In this engaging episode of "Employee Gifting Simplified," host Tray Ross welcomes Laura Van Winkle from Adobe Population Health.

They delve into the nuances of employee recognition and appreciation, exploring how personalized gestures can significantly impact workplace culture.

Laura shares her journey in HR, the importance of understanding individual employee preferences, and the challenges faced in healthcare settings.

The conversation highlights the power of choice, communication, and compassion in fostering a supportive work environment.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn and get to know Carla the Cow.

In this episode, Tray Ross and Hannah Bologna discuss the evolving landscape of employee recognition and appreciation. They explore the importance of understanding individual preferences, the best practices for engaging employees, and innovative strategies for recognition, especially in budget-constrained environments. The conversation emphasizes the significance of genuine connections and the real-life impact of recognition on employee morale and motivation.

Connect with Hannah:

LinkedIn: Hanna Bologna

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Employee Recognition

03:00 Understanding Employee Preferences

05:58 Best Practices for Employee Engagement

08:51 Innovative Recognition Strategies

12:05 Low-Budget Recognition Ideas

14:58 The Importance of Genuine Connections

17:53 Real-Life Impact of Recognition

21:07 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, Tray Ross speaks with Ben Zander, the Growth and Development Manager at Zander Real Estate, about the importance of employee recognition and appreciation in the workplace.

Ben shares his career journey, highlighting his experiences in various HR roles from Fortune 500 to SMB and the significance of building trust and relationships within teams.

The conversation delves into the evolving values of employees, emphasizing that recognition and development have become more important than monetary compensation.

Ben discusses effective strategies for recognizing employees, including accountability and creating memorable experiences, and concludes with insights on fostering a positive workplace culture.

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: Ben Zander

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.zanderteam.com/

With the holiday season here—and many families still feeling the ripple effects of the government shutdown and delayed backpay—leaders are looking for ways to support their teams that are actually meaningful.

In this short conversation, benefits broker Riley Schleifer and Tray Ross break down how companies can help employees stretch their budgets, feed their families, and still feel seen and supported during a tough season.

We discuss:

• Why employee hardship is rising and how it’s showing up across industries
• Tax-free, high-impact gifting options companies can use today
• How Grocery Vouchers (like turkeys, holiday meals, everyday groceries) support families without adding admin burden
• Why Gift Card+ and GiftYouPick are not cash equivalents—and why that matters
• How leaders can give employees the full value of the gift with no contracts, no minimums, and no extra fees

If you’re a benefits broker, HR leader, or employer looking for a simple, meaningful way to help employees this season—this conversation will be worth 10 minutes of your time.