The right swag doesn’t just say “welcome to the team” or “thanks for sticking around.” It’s how you build buy-in every single day. It helps new employees feel like they’re part of something from the start, and reminds your existing team they still belong.
When branded touchpoints are done right, they become moments of connection and celebration. They reinforce your culture, build trust, and turn your company into a place where people stay and grow.
That’s where we come in. At SOLV, we help HR leaders create these meaningful moments. The ones that drive real, measurable outcomes. Below, you’ll find the proof. Trust us, we know what we’re talking about.
@smilesandpearls & @ivimhealth_ influencer swag and apparel program
THE KEY FINDINGS
TRUE OR FALSE
Swag has no real impact on hiring top talent
FALSE
69% of job seekers are more likely to apply to a company that actively manages its employer brand
Source: Glassdoor
TRUE OR FALSE
Employees who receive swag on day one are more likely to stay at their job
TRUE
Companies that incorporate thoughtful swag into onboarding improve new hire retention by 82%
Source: Aberdeen Group
TRUE OR FALSE
Giving out swag monthly has no correlation with employee satisfaction
FALSE
94% of employees who receive monthly swag say they are very satisfied with their employer, compared to just 18% who receive no swag at all
Source: CustomInk Survey
TRUE OR FALSE
Culture isn’t something you can reinforce with branded merch
FALSE
88% of employees say a strong workplace culture is key to business success
Source: Deloitte
TRUE OR FALSE
Employees would rather receive memorable swag than go out for a team happy hour
TRUE
By a 4-to-1 margin (81% to 19%), employees prefer swag they’ll love and use to celebrate a team win
Source: FasterCapital
TRUE OR FALSE
Welcome kits don’t have any measurable ROI
FALSE
One tech company reported a 20% decrease in onboarding costs after implementing welcome kits
Source: CustomInk Survey
TRUE OR FALSE
Swag makes no difference in team collaboration
FALSE
Welcome kits are linked to a 15% increase in collaborative work projects
Source: CustomInk Survey
TRUE OR FALSE
Engaged employees don’t impact profitability
FALSE
Companies that engage their teams from day one see a 21% increase in profitability
Source: Gallup
TRUE OR FALSE
Branded swag helps employees feel like they belong
TRUE
Branded merch strengthens internal culture and creates moments of connection that build belonging
Source: SOLV Insight Survey
"It was the first time a job made me feel like they actually planned for me to be here."
- Feedback from a real solv client -
THE MERCH PARTNER HR TEAMS TRUST.
We're SOLV, a team of real, fun, cool people who help create the moments that matter. Whether it’s onboarding kits that make a killer first impression or milestone gifts that show your people they’re seen, we believe swag should be intentional, on-brand, and built around your culture.
That’s where we come in. From sourcing to design to logistics and delivery, we take the heavy lifting off your plate so you can focus on your people, and not on your vendors.
You care deeply about making employees feel valued. So do we. From day one to year ten, we’re here to help you create the kinds of touchpoints that turn teammates into lifers.
If your swag feels generic, it’s just stuff.
Your brand deserves more than bulk pens and basic tees. Every touchpoint, whether it’s onboarding, recognition, or team moments should reflect the culture you’ve worked so hard to build.
Because when you get it right, people don’t just remember the merch. They remember how it made them feel.
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