Once a thoughtful gesture representing an employer’s appreciation for its workforce, the significance of swag has essentially lost its swagger and has become an indicator of a company lacking in culture. In reality, much of this swag ends up buried in drawers, forgotten in closets, and ultimately in the garbage. 
The Perils of Branded Merchandise
For business owners, it's important to consider the potential downsides of distributing branded merchandise. While it can be a cost-effective way to increase brand awareness, it's crucial to ensure that the items are of high quality and genuinely useful. Otherwise, they risk becoming mere clutter.
Branded merchandise, while seemingly harmless, can inadvertently promote a company's image in ways that may not align with its values. For instance, a t-shirt worn at a social event could be associated with negative behavior, reflecting poorly on the company.
If you’re an employer thinking about handing out sweaters to your employees, don’t worry, just about anyone will take a free hoodie, but don’t expect it to move the needle on your employee engagement scores.
Employee Considerations
As an employee, it's worth reflecting on whether you truly connect with the company's mission and values, whether they are simply words on paper to you, or whether they even have a set of values to abide by. Promoting a company you have no emotional attachment to can feel inauthentic and even disingenuous. Instead of blindly endorsing your employer's brand, consider focusing on building your own personal brand and sharing content that genuinely resonates with you. It might be a good time to finally launch that t-shirt company.
A More Meaningful Approach
Rather than wasting resources on generic swag, companies should consider more strategic approaches to employee recognition and engagement.
Offer Choice: Instead of imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to employee gifts, give your team members the opportunity to choose what they truly value. This could involve offering a variety of options, such as gift cards, experiences, or even a sit down for coffee or lunch.
Elicit Employee Feedback: To ensure that your recognition efforts are truly impactful, take the time to listen to your employees. Conduct surveys, host focus groups, or simply have open conversations to understand their preferences and needs. By involving your team in the process, you can tailor your recognition programs to their specific interests and motivations, and save money on purchasing meaningless merch.
Ultimately, the goal of any employee recognition program should be to create a positive and supportive work environment that enhances their overall experience and helps your retention. By focusing on genuine appreciation, meaningful feedback, and opportunities for growth, companies can foster a truly engaged and productive workforce.
