In today’s corporate world, branded products have become a ubiquitous marketing tool to promote businesses and enhance brand recognition. Organizations invest substantial resources from promotional merchandise to corporate gifts to create lasting impressions on clients and employees. However, companies must explore the true potential of branded products in the workforce due to misuse and underutilization. In this blog, we will explore why providing branded products is not used correctly in the workplace and offer insightful examples of how they should be employed to foster positive outcomes and employee engagement.
Lack of Relevance:
One common pitfall is distributing generic branded products irrelevant to the recipient’s needs or interests. A random assortment of promotional items might not effectively connect with employees, resulting in unused or discarded items.
Correct Approach: Companies should focus on understanding their employees’ preferences and interests instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, surveys or informal discussions can provide valuable insights into what branded products resonate with employees. Personalized items, such as ergonomic office accessories or company-branded apparel, can create a sense of belonging and increase the likelihood of usage.
Overemphasis on Externally Oriented Items:
While providing branded products externally can benefit marketing efforts, companies should also notice the internal workforce. Companies often prioritize distributing branded items to clients and partners, neglecting their most valuable asset – their employees.
Correct Approach: Recognizing the importance of employee satisfaction, companies can enhance the workplace environment by offering branded products that serve practical purposes. For example, equipping employees with high-quality branded tech accessories like wireless earbuds, power banks, or smart notebooks can enhance productivity while fostering a sense of pride in representing the organization.
Lack of Integration with Company Culture:
Branded products can fall short of expectations when they fail to reflect the company’s values and culture. Generic items that lack personality may not instill a sense of pride or loyalty among employees.
Correct Approach: Aligning branded products with the company’s mission and values can create a powerful impact. For instance, a sustainability-focused company could offer eco-friendly branded products like reusable water bottles or recycled notebooks, reinforcing their commitment to environmental responsibility. This integration enhances the company’s image while making employees feel part of a shared purpose.
Inadequate Recognition and Incentive Programs:
Branded products are often used as standalone gifts without proper acknowledgment or context, leading to limited engagement and little impact on employee motivation.
Correct Approach: Employers can leverage branded products as part of a well-structured recognition and incentive program. For instance, recognizing outstanding performance with personalized, high-quality branded gifts boosts morale and incentivizes others to strive for excellence. Furthermore, creating tiers of rewards based on achievements can encourage continuous improvement.
The power of branded products in the workforce is undeniable, but their potential could be more utilized due to a lack of relevance, an imbalance between internal and external use, and insufficient integration with company culture. By shifting focus to personalized and practical items, aligning products with company values, and incorporating them into recognition and incentive programs, organizations can unlock the true potential of branded products to foster a more engaged and motivated workforce. A thoughtful approach to branded products can elevate the workplace environment and empower employees to become influential brand ambassadors within and outside the organization.
