Thoughtful Ways Merch Brings Teams Together and Shapes Employee Experience

Who says company culture can’t pack a punch? Meet your team wherever they’re at with merch that moves and motivates.

Employee experience looks a lot different than it did a few years ago, and teams are shifting away from getting a feel for company culture through the energy of a shared office.

Today, employees might be working from a kitchen counter, a shared workspace, or a quiet corner while balancing family responsibilities. This change has pushed organizations to rethink how they make people feel connected and part of something bigger.

This is where merch pulls more weight than most people realize: it creates a physical reminder of belonging in a world where so much of the day happens on a screen. Done well, it becomes part of how employees experience your brand, day in and day out.

So, let’s explore how to embrace this shift and make the most of your merch strategy!

Why Tangible Items Matter

Anyone working online knows how overwhelming the day can get.

Messages ping nonstop.v

Team interactions feel endless. (Anyone else haunted by the Teams notification sound?)v

Even the most thoughtful email or scheduled call can get lost in the rush.

A physical item interrupts that cycle. It gives people something real to hold onto, literally and emotionally.

And it turns out that kind of recognition has staying power! Promo products can influence employee retention, big time. One recent survey found that 88% of employees who got branded gifts at some point stayed with their companies for 15 years or more.

There’s also something lasting about recognition tied to an object.

A quick thank you is always appreciated, of course, but a meaningful item they’ll use is remembered. It turns a casual moment of appreciation into something that sticks around, often right where employees spend most of their time.

And what’s sweeter than that?

Where Merch Creates the Most Impact

Remote Culture-Building

Teams working from different locations need a sense of unity that goes beyond scheduled check-ins.

When employees receive something that supports their workday or brings a bit of comfort to their space it shows intention and consistency. It also shows that the company is paying attention to the day-to-day experience, and not just performance metrics.

Company merch also helps translate company values into something employees can actually interact with. A value becomes more than a line on a website when people see it reflected in the things they use every day!

Onboarding and First Impressions

Let’s face it: the first few days at a new job are overwhelming.

New employees are trying to learn systems and understand expectations, all while getting a feel for their team and where they fit in.

But what if your new team members got a thoughtful welcome kit?

Onboarding kits are a stellar way to soften the transition for new employees by introducing them to the company’s vibe before their first meeting even starts. Research shows it’s also a move that pays off. A recent study from the Society for Human Resource Management found that employees who go through a strong, supportive onboarding process are far more likely to stick around for the long haul: nearly 7 in 10 stay at least 3 years when their first days feel intentional.

Branded merch during onboarding can also cut through the isolation that comes with joining a team that’s working from multiple locations. When someone starts their new role from home, a welcome kit at the door makes the experience feel real.

Milestones and Recognition

You know the simple thing that people want the most from their work?

To feel seen and feel that their work means something.

Recognition can take many forms, but adding a thoughtful physical element can make the moment even more memorable. Studies show that when employees feel acknowledged on a regular basis, even as often as once a month, their sense of belonging skyrockets, along with their productivity and engagement.

When milestone gifts feel aligned with your company’s personality, they reinforce the culture you’ve worked hard to build. They also create touchpoints throughout the year that remind employees why they chose to stay!

Turning Merch Into a Strategic Engagement Tool

Fact: merch works best when it’s part of a strategy and not just random.

And when your departments work together, your merch becomes an extension of the workplace experience. Each item supports a purpose, whether that’s encouraging well-being or boosting morale.

Adding merch to an existing game plan also helps companies avoid the “drawer of forgotten stuff” problem (aka random branded pens, stress balls, and notepads). No judgement, we’ve all been there!

Instead of sending items that feel disconnected from daily life and spark little joy, choose pieces that flow effortlessly into routines.

Bringing It All Together

The shift beyond the desk has changed what employees need from their workplace.

Work now lives in home offices, shared spaces, flexible schedules, and countless digital platforms. To keep people connected, companies need touchpoints that spark emotion and build consistency.

And that’s exactly what branded merch does.

When companies treat merch as part of the employee experience and not just an extra, everything else gets stronger. We’re talking engagement, loyalty, advocacy—you name it!

In turn, the workplace, wherever it is, feels more connected.