The Best Gift You Can Give Employees (and Yourself)

The holidays are a time for giving, but in our fast-paced, always-on world, the most meaningful gifts aren't the ones wrapped in ribbons. What if the best gift you could offer wasn't tangible at all, but something far more impactful—something that could transform not just the recipient, but you as well?

It may sound cliché, but it's true. The best present you can give is your presence. In a world dominated by distractions—buzzing phones, endless notifications, and back-to-back meetings—undivided, sincere attention is rare. To truly be present is to create a space where others feel seen, heard, and valued. This is particularly powerful in the workplace, where employees often crave not just direction, but connection.

None of this is to say that you shouldn't give physical gifts. Those can be meaningful tokens of appreciation; and who doesn't love the thrill of opening a present? But that type of joy is superficial and temporary. Giving someone your full attention sends a much more meaningful message that they matter. 

This act of focused attention also plays a significant role in building trust on a neurological level. When we are fully present with others, the brain releases chemicals that reinforce feelings of safety and connection. On the flip side, distractions—like glancing at a phone or multitasking—can trigger stress responses that erode trust and connection, making people feel undervalued or dismissed.

Being present isn't just an act of kindness; it's a cornerstone of effective leadership. Employees don't want to feel like another checkbox on a to-do list. They want leaders who are truly invested in them, not just as workers, but as people.

When you genuinely engage with your team:

• You uncover insights that lead to better decisions.
• You create an environment where creativity and collaboration flourish.
• You show that their contributions are valued, which boosts morale and motivation.

The remarkable thing about being present is that it's contagious. When employees feel truly seen and heard, they're more likely to show up for others in the same way. It fosters a culture of empathy and connection that even transcends the workplace.

Being present is a present that benefits the giver as much as the recipient. When you practice being present, you find more fulfillment in your interactions and become better equipped to handle the demands of leadership. You're able to approach relationships with greater clarity and compassion. 

On a biological level, genuine connection with others triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone," which reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and enhances overall well-being. This positive feedback loop improves your mental and emotional health and reinforces a sense of trust and belonging in the other person which whom you connect.

So how do you give the gift of presence? It isn't as simple as just being physically present. We've all felt the subtle rejection of being with someone who would rather look at their phone (also known as "phubbing"). For your presence to truly be a present, you'll need to be intentional and consistent.

How to Make Presence a Habit

• Ditch Your Device: When engaging with someone, put down your phone and laptop. Make eye contact and give them your full attention.
• Listen to Understand, Not Respond: Resist the urge to jump in with a solution. Let the other person finish their thoughts, and ask follow-up questions to show you care.
• Read Between the Lines: When being present with someone, it's not just about hearing their words, but showing genuine interest in the ideas, concerns, and aspirations behind them.
• Be Consistent: Schedule time for regular one-on-one conversations with team members. This is a time to discuss their goals and well-being, not work directives. 
• Think Small: Being present doesn't always need to take a lot of time. A quick but sincere "How are you, really?" can have a bigger impact than you think.
• Be Real: Presence isn't about ticking a leadership box; it's about genuinely caring. People can sense when your interest is sincere.

Being present builds trust, deepens relationships, and fosters a culture of belonging—one where people feel safe to be themselves and thrive. While holiday gifts may be unwrapped and forgotten, the gift of presence leaves a lasting impression. When you make someone feel truly seen and heard—whether they're a colleague or a loved one—it's a gift they carry with them, shaping how they see themselves and their relationship with you.

This holiday season, and every season, consider giving the gift of presence. After all, the most meaningful gifts can't be bought—they're felt.

About the Author

Sandra McDowell, MA, PCC, CULC, CPHR

As the founder and voice behind eLeadership Academy™, Sandra McDowell helps leaders and organizations increase performance and well-being by leveraging neuroscience insights to harness the untapped power of the brain.

About eLeadership Academy™

Exclusive to credit unions, eLeadership Academy™ is the only online training solution that provides accessible, actionable training to develop high-performance CU leaders. We are on a mission to help build leadership and coaching bench strength within the system because we know credit unions are a force for good, and their leaders are the catalyst for member and employee experience. For more information, visit www.eleadershipacademy.com or contact [email protected].