Benefits of Company Swag and Ideas for Your Employees

As traditional forms of advertising give way to digital alternatives, studies have shown that swag kits continue to benefit businesses. Using company swag creates positive brand associations and boosts company morale. 

What is swag? 

Company swag is branded merchandise given to employees, clients, or event attendees to spread awareness and promote your brand. Clothing, tech gadgets, pens, and tote bags are common company swag items used to display the company's logo and branding.

Fun Fact! The origin of the word swag is up for debate, some say the word swag comes from the acronym “Stuff We All Get”, others say it is short for company swagger, but the word can actually be traced back to 18th century England (opens in a new window) where “swag” was said to mean “ornamental festoon” or a thief’s stolen goods. Nowadays it is associated with giveaways and freebie items from events and parties. 

Top Reasons to Offer Custom Swag

Giving current and new employees company swag benefits both the employees and your business. In fact, 56% of new employees (opens in a new window) in a recent survey reported that custom swag boxes made them feel welcome when starting their new role (plus, you may get a little bonus social media call out when they share a social media post on LinkedIn or Facebook about all the great company swag they received). 

What are the benefits of offering custom logo company swag and promotional items? Providing high-quality, useful swag demonstrates that you value your employees, it also provides these additional benefits:

1. Boosts Morale

Company swag shows appreciation and recognition, increasing employee happiness. When employees receive swag, it signals that their efforts are valued and employees feel acknowledged for their hard work. Higher morale often leads to increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and overall happiness within the workplace.

2. Fosters Team Spirit

Branded swag makes employees feel like they are part of a cohesive team. Wearing or using items with the company logo can promote a more collaborative work environment where your employees and partners support and lift each other. It also allows team members to recognize each other outside of the workplace to encourage camaraderie at events and corporate gatherings. 

3. Increases Brand Loyalty

By providing employees with custom logo promotional items, you strengthen their connection with the company. This makes them more likely to associate positively with the company (opens in a new window) and speak highly when someone sparks a conversation around the promo item. Your employees will then be able to advertise your company’s products or services, both within and outside the workplace. 

4. Improves Job Satisfaction

Swag can improve job satisfaction by contributing to a more enjoyable and engaging work environment. Thoughtful and useful items like promotional power banks,  insulated tumblers, water bottles, or premium pens can make employees' daily routines easier and more pleasant, leading to a happier and more productive workforce.

5. Promotes Company Culture

When you carefully choose your internal swag, you can reinforce your company's culture and better demonstrate your values. Items that reflect your company’s mission, vision, and values can help employees internalize these principles. For example, choosing reusable items for employees like stainless steel reusable straws or sustainably sourced and recycled apparel demonstrates your company's commitment to the environment and eco-friendly values. 

6. Encourages Employee Retention

When employees receive high-quality swag, it shows that the company cares about their satisfaction. This can lead to higher retention rates (opens in a new window), as employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their happiness and engagement. Consider giving your in-office and remote employees self-care swag bags so they can recharge or quality golf balls with the company’s branding to enjoy a round on the weekend. 

7. Cost-Effective Marketing

Employees using their branded items outside of work end up promoting your brand. Swag can serve as a cost-effective marketing tool. When employees use branded items in their daily lives, they are spreading brand awareness for your company. This increased visibility can catch the eyes of potential customers and trigger brand recognition and recall. 

8. Improves Productivity

Happy and satisfied employees are more productive. Employees who feel appreciated and valued are generally more motivated and engaged. This positive mindset can lead to increased productivity. Employees are more likely to put in their best effort and take pride in their work when they feel valued.

9. Attracts Talent

Makes your company more appealing to potential hires. Offering quality swag can make your company more attractive to job seekers. It signals a positive and supportive work environment, which can be a deciding factor for top talent when choosing an employer.

10. Recognizes Achievement

Serves as a reward for performance and milestones. Swag can be used to recognize and reward employees for their achievements and milestones. This form of recognition not only celebrates individual and team accomplishments but also motivates others to strive for excellence, fostering a culture of success and recognition.

Best Company Swag Ideas in 2024

You want to provide your employees with the best company swag. For internal swag given to employees and team members, spend a little more and give them practical gifts that they want to use. Here are some top ideas:

Eco-Friendly Products

According to a 2023 study (opens in a new window), aligning your company with green initiatives can significantly improve purchase behavior. Promotional items like reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, and recycled tote bags align with sustainability trends. Eco-friendly products show your commitment to environmental responsibility and appeal to eco-conscious employees and customers. These items reduce plastic waste.

At 4AllPromos we even carry eco-friendly items made from recycled ocean plastics. Offering these promotional products not only supports green initiatives and employee morale but also promotes a healthier planet.

Tech Gadgets

Wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers, and custom USB drives are company swag items that will be used daily. Tech gadgets are always trendy and in demand. Wireless chargers provide convenience for employees who rely on their devices throughout the day and Bluetooth speakers offer entertainment and relaxation that they can take home and to social gatherings. Keeping the office stocked with custom USB drives makes it easy for teams to stay productive with easy ways to transfer and store data.

Wearable Items

Stylish hoodies, beanies, sweatshirts, and branded socks are always popular apparel items for employees. Apparel swag can be worn both inside and outside the workplace. Inside the office, your team will have a unified appearance, but when employees wear their swag after hours they’re increasing your brand visibility. 

Wellness Products

Wellness products show that you care about your employees' well-being. Items like sanitizer, healthy snacks, and stress relief balls can be kept around the workplace for the employees at all times.  Items like fitness trackers and yoga mats encourage physical activity, mindfulness, and healthy living. Providing these items demonstrates a commitment to a healthy work-life balance.

Desk Accessories

Branded notebooks, ergonomic mouse pads, and high-quality pens are great merch to give in-office and work-from-home employees. Desk accessories are essential for creating an efficient and comfortable workspace. These items can boost productivity and comfort, especially when combined with wellness products in the office.

Travel Essentials

Garment bags, travel mugs, and compact toiletry kits are great for employees who are required to travel for work. Power banks and tumblers are perfect for daily commuters. Giving your employees something to make travel easier like luggage tags, eye masks, and neck pillows will be appreciated and ease the inconvenience of a work trip.

Food and Beverage Items

Custom coffee mugs, snack boxes, and branded drinkware brighten up morning coffee breaks and provide healthy, convenient options for midday energy boosts. Branded drinkware, like water bottles or tumblers, encourages hydration and can be used throughout the day. These items add a personal touch to daily habits, making workdays more pleasant.

Home Comforts

Cozy blankets, scented candles, custom coasters, Christmas ornaments, and custom kitchenware give employees a gift they can take home. These company swag items are perfect for unwinding after work. Custom kitchenware, like branded aprons or cooking tools, can make home life more enjoyable and show thoughtfulness when you know the hobbies of your staff. 

7 Tips For Using Swag and Promotional Products Effectively

Using swag and promotional products effectively can significantly enhance your brand presence and employee satisfaction. Here are some tips:

1. Know Your Audience –  Choose products that your employees or clients will find useful and appealing. Consider their interests, needs, and preferences.
2. Quality Over Quantity –  Invest in high-quality items that reflect well on your brand. Cheap or poorly made products can have a negative impact.
3. Brand Consistency –  Ensure your logo and brand colors are prominently displayed on the swag. This reinforces brand recognition.
4. Functional Items –  Select products that recipients will use regularly, keeping your brand top-of-mind. Practical items like tech accessories, drinkware, or office supplies are often appreciated.
5. Occasional Gifts –  Use swag to celebrate milestones, holidays, or company events. This adds a special touch and makes the gesture more memorable.
6. Promote Engagement –  Encourage recipients to share photos of themselves using the swag on social media, creating organic marketing opportunities.
7. Employee Involvement –  Get feedback from employees on the types of swag they prefer. This ensures higher satisfaction and usage.

Corporate Gifts vs Custom Logo Swag

The main difference between corporate gifts and company swag lies in their purpose, quality, and context of use.

Corporate Gifts:

Corporate gifts are typically given to show appreciation, recognize achievements, or celebrate milestones. These gifts are usually higher in quality and value and given to clients, business partners, executives, or employees as part of recognition programs or special events.

Examples include high-end items such as engraved pens, luxury gift baskets, engraved office awards, and leather bags.

Company Swag:

Company swag, or promotional products, are used primarily for branding and marketing purposes. They aim to increase brand awareness among new audiences and foster a sense of community for employees and customers.

External swag items for giveaways at events are generally more cost-effective promotional products and produced in larger quantities, whereas internal employee swag and swag for interns and new hires is of higher value.

Examples include branded items such as t-shirts, water bottles, tote bags, keychains, notebooks, and pens.

FAQ About Company Swag and Giveaways

How can I choose sustainable and eco-friendly company swag for my business?

Choose sustainable and eco-friendly company swag by selecting products made from recycled materials, opting for reusable items, and working with suppliers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices. Examples of eco-friendly corporate swag include our bamboo utensils, recycled notebooks, and reusable shopping bags.

Is swag still a thing?

Yes, swag is still a popular and effective marketing tool. It continues to be used at events, in onboarding kits, and as part of employee recognition programs to promote brand visibility and engagement.

How do you choose effective and memorable company swag for trade shows?

Choose effective and memorable company swag for trade shows by selecting high-quality, practical items that align with your brand and appeal to your target audience. Consider eye-catching products and goodies that attendees will find useful, such as portable chargers, custom logo socks, or beanies.

The Best Company Swag Worth Bragging About Is From 4AllPromos

Company swag is a great way to engage with your employees and encourage a positive work environment. High-quality branded merchandise, ranging from eco-friendly products to tech gadgets and wearable items, can increase your brand’s visibility while promoting a healthy company culture.

As traditional advertising and marketing methods evolve, investing in well-chosen swag remains an effective strategy for promoting your brand and engaging both employees and clients. Our promotional product experts at 4AllPromos can help you choose the right swag gifts for your team.  Start shopping today! 

Sources

1. Swag (V.). Etymology. (n.d.). https://www.etymonline.com/word/swag (opens in a new window)
2. Liu, F., LeBlanc, H. P., Kanso, A., & Nelson, R. (2022). Improving the media mix: how promotional products enhance advertising impact. Journal of Marketing Communications, 29(6), 577–596. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2022.2054850 (opens in a new window)
3. A Study on Factors Influencing Workplace Happiness and Its Relationship with Job Satisfaction, Employee Retention and Work Performance. (2023). Journal of Informatics Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.52783/jier.v3i2.556 (opens in a new window)
4. 56% of new employees expect branded merchandise when starting a new role. IFA Magazine. (2024, May 25). https://ifamagazine.com/56-of-new-employees-expect-branded-merchandise-when-starting-a-new-role/ (opens in a new window)
5. Kim N, Lee K. Environmental Consciousness, Purchase Intention, and Actual Purchase Behavior of Eco-Friendly Products: The Moderating Impact of Situational Context. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20(7):5312. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075312 (opens in a new window)