Welcome back to work is a delicate phrase.
Over one full year after a global pandemic forced business to switch to remote work, coronavirus levels and safety precautions are slowly allowing organizations to begin thinking about allowing coworkers back into the workplace.
A lot has changed in the year of remote work, including a big rethink of the value a traditional physical office brings. Many businesses are choosing to adopt a hybrid office model of work that blends WFH opportunities with limited or optional time spent in the office. Others are likely to return fully to the office place— though it’s clear it will take time for employees to readjust.
In any case, encouraging or otherwise easing the transition to the physical office will be a challenge for people and office managers alike. Finding the right balance for hybrid models, and reacclimating teams to the workplace requires clear protocols, and empathetic leadership.
Custom swag can be a nice way to make the process easier. Whether you want to give employees a warm welcome back, give them the tools they need to work at home, or simply offer tokens of appreciation, swag can be a powerful tool for navigating the future of work.
Items for a safe commute
It’s hard to remember back when commuting felt almost automatic for most of us. As offices reopen slowly, it will definitely feel strange and possibly uncomfortable to resume the daily ritual of getting to and from work. You can help ease this tension by offering gifts that will make getting to and from work safe, comfortable and even… fun?
Safety accessories
Custom Backpacks
Tech Accessories
Office Safety Items
Health and safety will come first in the office of the near future. From the first time back in the office, you’ll have to set clear expectations about how to navigate the new normal. Things like social distancing and face coverings procedures will need to be clearly outlined. These gifts and custom PPE options can make your life a lot easier.
Custom Facemasks
Personal Sanitizers
Other Sanitizing Products
Read more: How the Hybrid Office Will Change Work
Wellness items
Employee well-being has taken on a whole new meaning these days. Pandemic safety is one part of wellness, but so is finding ways to help team members adjust to the mental, emotional and physical tolls that come with transitioning back to the office or adapting to hybrid and WFH models full time. These gifts will help you put people on the right track, and set a healthy precedent for your new workplace culture.
A membership to Alo Moves gives employees the chance to take advantage of thousands of virtual classes and health routines.
Monitor heart rate, sleep cycles and more with this nifty tool that is a huge help in maintaining physical wellness in the office and at home.
Custom Waterbottles
Full Wellness Kit
Includes:
- Plush Eye Mask
- Allay Diffuser
- Sheet Mask
In-office Workspace Swag
When people are finally ready to come back to work, give them a warm welcome on their first day with an office place gift to show your appreciation. Include a welcome back letter, and for new employees who have never been in the office before, give them an overview of what to expect. These swag items will help get you started!
Plants
Coffe Mugs
Desk Accessories
Home Office Items / WFH Gear
If you are pursuing a hybrid style of work, you’ll need to set up your employees to be productive and comfortable when WFH. This might include tech items, ergonomic office supplies, and all the gear they’ll need to shine during Zoom calls!
WFH Tech Setup
WFH Apparel
Productivity Boosters
Read more: 17 Work From Home Care Package IdeasC
There’s no template for what a successful welcome back to work will look like at your organization. Whether you are adopting a hybrid model, or encouraging everyone to come back to your office place, send some swag and custom gifts to make the transition easier. Start the new year of hard work off right, and set the precedent for years to come.
How are you planning on transitioning back to the workplace? Reach out to blog@swag.com for a chance to be featured.
