A hoodie can do more than just keep you warm. I once saw a new employee put one on and smile. She stated it seemed like she was part of the team right away. That is culture that is sewn into cloth. Discover more!
Begin before the initial handshake. A welcome box that arrives at the door before day one says a lot. A strong cup, a smooth pen, a notebook that doesn’t bend, and a small card with the company’s values on it. Put a short link to a video that says hello. The message is clear, whether you’re at home or at work. You are important here.
You can perceive recognition better when it’s there. Project pins that you can clip to your backpack, patches on your laptop sleeve, and even little gifts for friends to scream out become things to speak about. A simple cap or a coffee card can feel like a gift. It doesn’t have to be enormous; it just has to be seen.
Let folks make their own choices. It’s preferable to have a points store where customers can choose what they want than to guess. Someone might desire a soft tee, while someone else might want tech cables or a desk lamp. Clothes should fit well and not hang out of place. Use hues that will last. Don’t do activities that collect dust. Useful always comes out on top.
Sustainability is not only a fad. Bags made from old cloth, bottles that last, and refillable pens that fit in boxes. A quick line regarding the materials and how to get rid of them demonstrates that you care. The little things that aren’t said develop trust.
Think about kits for moments. A hackathon package with snacks, stickers, and chargers can give a team a boost. A wellness kit with a stretch band, some calming tea, and a card can help someone relax. A simple pouch with a lanyard, notebook, and a comical badge can make a boring day better for hybrid teams.
Make actions the basis of presents. A sheet of stickers for asking an inquiry at a town hall. A better bottle to tell a client success story. A journal for taking part in a learning sprint. Keep it short and to the point.
Keep an eye on things and make changes. Pay attention to what gets used and ask for immediate feedback. Find out what ends up in meetings or on desks. After a week, send a quick survey. What stayed? What went? Stop the flops. Give winners a second chance with a twist, like a new lid or a brighter print.
Add voices to the mix. Let folks make the next badge or bottle. Put the name of the winner somewhere small but easy to see. I once heard someone comment, “The lid leaks, but I love the grip.” So, what’s next? Same grip, but a better lid. A few small changes might make good swag something that employees really want.