As a response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing new trends emerge which shift the focus to the importance of personalization. As many businesses have already returned to regular operations and many more get set to re-open, we have found that promotional products can play an important role in easing the transition of getting employees safely back into the workplace. We are seeing that branded products have become very effective tools used to create and enforce a safe work environment for employees, while keeping customers engaged. Take a look below at some of the creative ways you can use personalized products to motivate your team and encourage social distancing.

Help ease the process of returning to the workplace with a thoughtful personalized “welcome back” bundle or “work from home” branded gift set for those employees working remotely. As a business owner, this is a great time to send out branded gift bundles of products that will help unify your team and boost their morale. Backpacks, notebooks and branded apparel with your company logo can be used to remind team members they are part of something larger and create a sense of community, which is essential for a successful work environment.

Branded products can also be used in different ways to encourage social distancing. From a young age we are all taught that “sharing is caring” however under the current circumstances we know this is not possible. Equip your clients with their own branded coffee mugs, tumblers and water bottles which discourage sharing. Try gifting products which can help reduce contact and minimize social interactions. Additionally these may even help them be more productive by reducing the need to wander away from their desk during the work day. Calculators, portfolios and sticky notes will also be very useful for anyone working from home.

Businesses are seizing the opportunity brought forth by reduced sharing of products, as a result we are seeing the re-emergence of a trend which encourages recipients to “keep the pen”. Whether someone needs to sign a contract, a credit card receipt or sign for a delivery, this is a great chance to put your logo on the pen and let them keep it. The idea is to reduce the likelihood of pens being shared and touching multiple hands, considering the vagabond life pens have which often get passed down throughout their lifetime. Ask them to share any received products on social media with the hashtag #KeepThePen, as a way to bring the conversation to an online sphere and invite people to interact with your brand.

Lastly we have some ideas on how to use promo products to enforce and create a safe environment for everyone at the business. Customized floor signs can be used to clearly identify distancing protocols, and to guide foot traffic in busy hallways or entrances. Giving out branded masks and sanitizers are further steps you can take to promote safety at your business. You can gift these products to your customers, and send out the message that you are concerned about their well-being.

As companies across borders explore ways to gradually reopen workplaces, employers face new challenges over how to reintegrate their workforces in a safe, efficient, and engaging manner. Many businesses have turned to the promotional products industry for solutions on easing the process of reopening. Personalized products have emerged as the unlikely heroes due to their versatile nature which allows them to encourage social distancing while keeping employees motivated and customers engaged all at once.