Get out of bed, get your coffee, and log on. Just like that, you’re at work. In today’s mixed-up society, where spare bedrooms double as workplaces and the dining table is your new cubicle, it might be hard to stay in touch. That’s when a simple piece of workplace swag becomes more important than you might believe – see our helpful hints here!

At first, a branded sweater, water bottle, or notebook could seem like simply another freebie from a company. But now that remote and hybrid work are common—83% of businesses provided flexible work alternatives by 2023, according to Buffer—these tiny gifts do a lot of work. Put on that corporate T-shirt before a video conversation, and it’s like saying, “I’m part of this team,” even if your closest teammate is 200 miles away.

People who work from home may feel out of the loop. A well-timed piece of branded merchandise can help fill the gap. According to the Promotional Products Association International, about 80% of employees feel better appreciated when they obtain business swag. So, the next time you send someone a branded mug or wireless charger in the mail, remember that it’s more than just a gift; it’s a real reminder that someone is thinking of them.

It’s not just about feeling good. Good things to buy are useful. Headphones, water bottles, and notebooks are the everyday tools that make working from home simpler. Every time someone uses your product, they see your brand again. Also, well-thought-out gear makes new employees feel like they are part of the team from day one, no matter where they are, whether it’s at headquarters or at their kitchen workstation.

Let’s be honest: while your workforce is glued to screens all day, a real object is like a breath of fresh air. Getting a comfortable sweater in your company’s colors in the mail feels like getting a hug from the office, no Zoom link needed.