How to Use Swag to Recruit, Onboard, and Retain Employees

With businesses navigating remote, hybrid, and in-office work models, creating a strong employee experience has never been more important. Employees today expect more than just competitive salaries and benefits—they’re looking for workplaces that foster connection, appreciation, and a sense of belonging. As a result, companies are rethinking how they attract, onboard, and retain top talent.

One creative yet highly effective way to stand out? Leveraging company swag at key touchpoints in the employee journey. Branded swag is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic tool that helps businesses make meaningful impressions, whether they’re wooing a candidate, welcoming a new hire, or showing appreciation to long-time employees. In an era of remote work and digital overload, tangible, high-quality employee swag can create a personal connection that emails and virtual meetings simply can’t.

Let’s explore how to use company swag to achieve your HR team’s goals for recruiting, onboarding, and retention.

1. Use Company Swag to Create a Memorable Candidate Experience

When you’re ready to extend an offer to a candidate, chances are you’re not the only company courting them. Many companies offer a new hire welcome kit (which we’ll discuss next), but a great way to stand out is by sending swag earlier—right at the offer stage.

Pairing the offer letter with a thoughtful swag package immediately differentiates your company and helps candidates envision themselves as part of the team. This gesture reinforces company culture, expresses appreciation for the candidate’s time during the interview process, and creates a stronger emotional connection.

Additionally, recruiters have reported an increase in candidate ghosting. A well-timed swag delivery between offer acceptance and the employee’s start date can help maintain engagement and excitement. Follow-ups with onboarding details, team introductions, and additional company swag can solidify their decision to join.

2. Use Employee Swag to Enhance the Onboarding Process

Once a new hire is on board, the goal shifts to setting them up for success. Onboarding should go beyond paperwork and training—it should reinforce company culture, establish expectations, and foster a sense of belonging. A strong onboarding experience is crucial, with 69% of employees saying they’re more likely to stay with a company after a great start.

A custom new employee swag kit is a perfect way to enhance this experience. With Printfection, swag boxes can be customized based on your budget, brand, and team member’s preferences. Need something low cost or want to go all out? Our team is happy to work within a wide range of price points. Interested in finding unique items that align with your brand or industry? We can make product recommendations to help you get started. Want your employee to be able to pick their apparel sizing or choose from a variety of items? Our Giveaway feature makes that easy too.

One of our customers at Zendesk, Jordan McAllister, said, “Onboarding is so much more of a joy when you give new hires some kind of swag. It just gets them excited to join the company and rock the logo.”

Want to build the perfect new hire welcome kit? Check out our guide here for inspiration and examples from real customers.

3. Use Company Swag to Recognize and Retain Employees

Company leaders and HR managers should always have a pulse on overall employee morale given its effects on productivity and turnover. In addition to team building events or company outings, swag can be a versatile tool for keeping employees engaged and for showing genuine appreciation for both who they are and the work they provide.

We recommend creating an annual swag calendar that aligns with employee milestones such as:

• Work anniversaries and promotions
• Performance recognition
• Personal celebrations (weddings, babies, or other life events)

Not only does swag amplify a culture of appreciation, it also gives employees a sense of ownership and fosters further brand advocacy. When employees know they are prioritized and valued, they will proudly display their company swag in a way that promotes the brand to their personal and professional networks.

How to Seamlessly Manage Employee Swag with Printfection

HR and People Ops teams already have a lot on their plates, so managing company swag shouldn’t be an added burden. Printfection simplifies the entire process with a full-service swag management platform that handles sourcing, printing, storing, and distributing company swag—seamlessly integrating with your existing tech stack.

Customers like Drift, HubSpot, Zendesk, and Zapier use Printfection to effortlessly send employee swag around the world.

Brent Holst from Gusto shared, “We are solving the hassle of reaching out to teammates to order them swag. I love the automated system where employees are sent a link to order swag independently. It saves our team a ton of time!”

If you are interested in how Printfection can help you level up your swag strategy for recruiting, employee retention, or any other company goals, contact us to learn more and set up a demo today. One of our swag experts will be in touch soon to discuss your vision and answer any questions.