A LinkedIn post declares the start of a new job, with a snap of a laptop and a deskspace covered in an array of merch from the new company, including a water bottle, socks, notebook pen and other assortments from their new employer.
Looking to shed light on the topic of company-branded merch and swag bags received when starting at a new company, Aspinline, a supplier of personalised products asked 400 people about their attitudes and feelings towards company-branded merch.
In terms of perception, receiving company-branded merchandise was found to evoke different sentiments among employees. 56% felt it made them feel welcome, 30% viewed it primarily as a marketing tool for the business and 7% saw it as an insignificant use of money.
The survey revealed that while company-branded merchandise remains a common practice in onboarding new employees, only 20% of respondents considered receiving such items important. Surprisingly, 26% expressed that it wasn’t important to them at all, while a majority (53%) remained neutral on the matter.
One significant aspect highlighted in the survey was the environmental impact of excessive company merchandise. While 33% of respondents stated they were not concerned about this, 26% expressed genuine concerns. Alarmingly, 40% admitted to never considering the environmental implications of such practices, indicating a potential blind spot for both employees and employers alike.
With this in mind, the survey also asked employees what they would do with their company-branded merch once they have left the business:
- 66% would repurpose and give the products an alternative use
- 40% would keep and continue to use
- 18% would throw them away
- 16% would donate products to charity
- 5% would give them back to the company
- 3% would destroy ex-company items
The top branded items desired to be given by a job include clothing (27%), bottles and mugs (20%), sweets and snacks (18%), stationary (17%), tote bags (10%) and novelty items such as keyrings and bottle openers (6%).
A spokesperson at Aspinline said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became the norm. This brought about a surge in companies sending out branded merchandise and swag bags to new hires and existing employees, aiming to boost morale and foster unity.
Now, in 2024, with COVID-19 behind us and people more mindful of the environment, it’s crucial to carefully plan and execute strategies for new hire merchandise. Surveys indicate a preference for reusable, practical items with minimal waste. It’s clear that company merchandise and swag bags have a positive impact on new hires, and choosing the right items can have a lasting effect on both the individual and the environment.”
Source: Survey conducted on 400 workers aged between 18 and 60 by Google Surveys and Survey Swap on behalf of Aspinline.
About Aspinline
Aspinline is a supplier of high-quality promotional products such as Lanyards or Wristbands, Embroidered Patches or Enamel Badges, Keyrings, Challenge Coins and Pin Badges. Aspinline has been supplying custom products for a wide range of events, educational and corporate needs to functions and parties across the UK for 10 years.
