Create the Perfect New Employee Swag to Welcome Your Team and Boost Engagement
When a new employee joins your company, you want to make them feel like they’ve just joined the coolest team ever, right? A great way to do this is with "new employee swag"—those thoughtful, fun, and practical items that not only make them feel welcome but also make them excited to get started. So, how do you put together a swag kit that stands out and really makes an impact? We’ve got the scoop.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why new employee swag is important, what should be in your swag kit, and how Merchloop’s on-demand swag can help you deliver the perfect welcome. Let’s dive in!
Why New Employee Swag Matters
New hires are crucial to the success of any organization, so why not start them off with a bang? Research shows that employees who have a great onboarding experience are more likely to stay longer and perform better. And let’s face it: first impressions matter. New employee swag isn’t just about giving out free stuff – it’s a chance to show your new hires that you care and that they’ve made the right decision in joining your team.
1. Making a Strong First Impression
Imagine this: your new hire walks into the office, or maybe logs into their first day remotely, and they’re greeted with a swag kit that’s bursting with fun, useful items. Instant positivity. It’s the ultimate welcome gift that shows you’re excited they’re there. Whether it's a cool hoodie or a personalized notebook, it speaks volumes about your company’s culture and values.
2. Building Employee Engagement
Employees who feel engaged are happier, more productive, and more loyal. Swag is a great way to foster that sense of engagement from the get-go. When you give your new hires swag that’s not just random stuff but actually reflects your company’s personality, they feel more connected to the team. It’s like saying, "Hey, we’ve got your back. Welcome to the squad!"
3. Improving Retention
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way. When employees feel appreciated from day one, they’re more likely to stick around. New employee swag sends the message that your company is invested in them from the start. It sets a positive tone that could contribute to long-term success and loyalty.
What to Include in Your New Employee Swag Kit
Choosing the right swag is key. It needs to be something your new hires will actually use, but it should also represent your brand and values. No pressure, right? Just kidding! We’ve got a solid list of swag ideas to get you started.
1. Stylish Apparel
T-shirts, hoodies, or even polos—everyone loves a comfy, branded piece of apparel. But don’t settle for basic. Make sure the quality is top-notch. Nothing says "we care" more than a soft, well-fitted shirt or cozy hoodie that your new hires will actually want to wear. And bonus: every time they wear it, they’re promoting your brand. Win-win!
2. Personalized Stationery
A high-quality notebook or planner is a perfect swag addition. It’s functional, and when it’s personalized with their name or your company logo, it feels like a special gift. Add in a couple of sleek pens or some custom sticky notes, and your new hire will be ready to hit the ground running. (They might even feel like a productivity pro from day one!)
3. Tech Essentials
Let’s face it, we’re all glued to our gadgets these days. Including tech items like phone chargers, USB drives, wireless headphones, or laptop sleeves shows that you’re in tune with the modern workforce. These items are both practical and promotional, and your new hires will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
4. Wellness Swag
Who doesn’t love a little self-care? Whether it's a reusable water bottle, a yoga mat, or a stress-relief gadget like a fidget spinner, wellness items show your employees that you care about their well-being. Plus, they’re totally on-brand for companies that focus on work-life balance. Help your new hires feel balanced and refreshed from the start.
5. A Warm Welcome Letter or Employee Handbook
Okay, so it’s not a traditional swag item, but including a welcome letter or employee handbook is a nice touch. The letter can share a little about the company’s mission, values, and what they can expect in the first few weeks. It's a great way to help new employees feel connected and informed.
6. Gift Cards for Fun
Who doesn’t love a gift card? Add in a little surprise with a gift card to a popular coffee shop, local restaurant, or online retailer. It’s a flexible, personal touch that allows your new hire to pick something they actually want or treat themselves to something special.
7. Eco-Friendly Swag
If your company values sustainability, shout it out with eco-friendly swag. Think reusable tote bags, bamboo coffee mugs, or recyclable pens. Not only does it help the planet, but it also shows your new hires that you’re committed to making a positive impact.
The Merchloop Advantage: On-Demand Swag for Maximum Flexibility
Here’s the game-changer: Merchloop makes creating the perfect new employee swag kit super easy and flexible. Instead of ordering huge quantities of swag that might sit around collecting dust, we offer on-demand swag. That means you can customize and ship swag packs as you need them, without worrying about excess inventory or expensive bulk orders.
Why On-Demand Swag Rocks:
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Cost-Effective – You only pay for what you need. No more over-ordering swag you won’t use.
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Totally Customizable – From apparel to tech accessories, you can personalize your swag items for each employee, department, or even role. Make each new hire feel like they’re receiving something made just for them.
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Seamless Fulfillment – Forget about packing, shipping, or dealing with logistics. We’ve got it covered. Once you place your order, we’ll take care of the rest.
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No Minimums – Whether you’re onboarding one new hire or 50, we don’t require minimum order quantities. This means you get the flexibility you need without excess costs.
Best Practices for Creating Your New Employee Swag Kit
Alright, now that you have the basics, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how you can create a swag kit that truly stands out:
1. Stick to Your Brand
Your swag should be a reflection of your company’s culture and values. Is your company all about innovation? Include some cool tech gadgets. Are you eco-conscious? Include sustainable products. Whatever your company stands for, make sure your swag speaks to it.
2. Keep It Useful
Swag that just collects dust isn’t doing anyone any good. Focus on items your employees will actually use. Practicality is key—reusable water bottles, portable chargers, and high-quality apparel are all winners.
3. Personalize It
Personalizing swag isn’t just about putting a name on something. It’s about tailoring the items to the person or the role. If you’re onboarding a new designer, for example, a stylish notebook or sketchpad could be a great fit. If it’s a new remote worker, a portable charger or laptop sleeve might be the way to go.
4. Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to give one or two high-quality items than a bunch of things that won’t be used. Choose swag items that make a lasting impression—quality apparel or a tech accessory will go much further than a drawer full of branded pens.
Conclusion: The Impact of New Employee Swag
New employee swag is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a great way to kick off an employee’s journey with your company in a memorable, meaningful way. It shows that you care, that you value them from day one, and that you’re excited to have them on the team.
With Merchloop’s on-demand swag solution, you can deliver high-quality, personalized swag kits that align with your brand’s values, without the headache of bulk ordering or excess inventory. Whether you’re onboarding one employee or fifty, we’ve got you covered.
So, are you ready to create the ultimate new employee swag experience? Let’s get started!
