Over the past two years, businesses in almost every industry and market nationwide experienced a workplace disruption unlike any other.
Now, another wave of change is coming: Whether it’s returning to the office full time or adopting a hybrid work model, many companies are transitioning to a different mode of operation. Fast Company reports that Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants are finally mandating a return to the office, at least part-time.
Whether your team is back in the office full-time, part-time, or if they’ve never left, custom employee gift kits are a great morale booster. They’re also ideal for reinforcing corporate culture, building camaraderie, and furthering your brand, among other benefits.
We recently created a custom kit for one of our clients: They used these kits not only to welcome their team back to the office, but also to kick off their “First in Service” campaign. We worked with their HR/Communication team to create a kit that embodied the spirit of the campaign and reinforced the messaging with branded items including a mug, silicone wallet, and branded program “cards” emblazoned with their service mantras—all packaged in a custom kit fulfilled by Shamrock. These specialty packages serve as a reminder to their team about the importance of client service and recognizing and honoring each other for a job well done (with monthly service awards we also produced for the campaign).
Making a special connection with your team can help them ease back into the adapted in-person workplace while reinforcing corporate culture in a memorable way.
Follow these simple guidelines to build a custom welcome-back kit that will delight your employees.
1. Brand it.
Branded apparel encourages a sense of belonging or community while promoting brand loyalty. So, give your employees fresh, on-trend branded swag they’ll want to wear at the office and when they’re away from work, too. Think jackets, t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and beanies, plus backpacks and fanny packs–all hot items right now that are perfect for all ages and genders.
2. Make it useful.
If your team is working in the office at least part-time, choose items that will make their commute a little easier: Wireless earbuds and power banks and insulated drinkware are practical items they’ll use daily. And don’t forget to include valuable tools for their desks like pens and pencils, leather-bound notebooks, charging stations, and hand sanitizer.
3. Make it personal.
Inside the kit, include a hand-written note or a card with a QR code to access a video: These simple ideas go a long way toward making a personal connection with your team members
4. Make it an experience.
One of the reasons kits are so popular is because they are gift boxes—so they’re exciting to receive and fun to open! Custom kits allow you to create those feel-good connections with your employees. At Shamrock, we help customers design and build kits their way with specialty branded packaging, inserts, and more to create a memorable unboxing experience.
Welcome back kits are a unique and powerful way to connect with your team, whether they’re in the office down the hall or in a facility across the country. If you’re interested in brainstorming some ideas for your kits, reach out at jbanks@shamrockcompanies.net. I’m here to help!
