Busting Myths About Promotional SWAG in Human Services: More Than Just Stuff We all Get!

Today, I am tackling a topic often overlooked and routinely undervalued in the human services sector—promotional items, or "SWAG." Many view SWAG as a trivial part of business operations, a "check-the-box task or something you just have to do as part of a conference. However, in human services, where connection and community are paramount, SWAG can be an incredibly effective tool for branding, recruitment, and retention.

Think of this scenario…a prospective staff member gets a pen from an agency booth, while another agency is offering a trucker cap. How would that impact your opinion of each brand?Who are you more likely to seek out for employment?

Why SWAG Matters in Human Services

In the realm of human services, our work revolves around building strong, supportive relationships—both within our teams and with the communities we serve. Promotional items are not just giveaways; they are a reflection of our commitment to those relationships. Quality SWAG can help convey the values of care and respect that are fundamental to our work, making it a powerful ally in fostering a positive organizational culture. It also aids in recruiting passionate professionals who see the value in an organization that invests thoughtfully in its team.

Now, let’s address some common misconceptions about SWAG in the human services sector:

Myth #1: Swag Isn't Worth the Investment

It's a common belief that SWAG is a frivolous expense. But it’s not an expense, it’s an investment in your strategic plan. When chosen thoughtfully, these items are potent symbols of your organization's values and mission. For example, at Incompass Human Services, providing high-quality backpacks not only gave our team members useful tools in support of their job, this also reinforced the agency’s dedication to the team and the tremendous value we have for each Care Champion. This investment goes a long way in building culture while boosting morale and loyalty.

In terms of the quantifiable ROI, when your staff and stakeholders share their new backpacks, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, etc. on social media - and you amplify those posts - you are expanding your reach and positively impacting

Myth #2: Staff Don't Want Agencies to Invest in Promotional Items

Contrary to this belief, our experience shows that staff in human services deeply value meaningful SWAG. High-quality items like our "Care Champion" t-shirts and fleece sweatshirts are worn with pride. They are not just apparel but symbols of recognition and belonging, making them highly effective for boosting staff morale and retention.

Myth #3: Just Order Items from Online Shops

Ordering from generic online shops misses an opportunity to align SWAG with your organization's unique culture and needs. Collaborating with vendors who specialize in custom solutions and who understand the ethos of human services can significantly enhance the impact of your promotional items. These partners can ensure your SWAG embodies the spirit of your mission.

Myth #4: You Don't Have to Track Swag Items

Effective management of SWAG is crucial, especially in nonprofit settings where budgets are tight. Inventory control helps ensure that these items are used judiciously and reach the right people at the right time, whether at community events, employee milestones, or in daily service delivery.

Myth #5: You Don't Need to Put Thought into Distributing Swag

How you distribute SWAG can significantly affect its value. Integrating SWAG distribution with staff events or community gatherings not only makes the process memorable but also strengthens team cohesion and community engagement. This thoughtful approach maximizes the impact of every item distributed.

Myth #6: Swag should be handled at the department level

I usually don’t share best practices this emphatically, but allow me this one…CENTRALIZE AGENCY SWAG PURCHASES! I know…it’s easier to just let your individual departments order swag from their program budget. But at the end of the day, the agency misses out on so much when this activity isn’t centralized…

• You lose control of your brand standards, as people tend to create designs from scratch that don’t align with your brand.
• You lose the ability to engage a trusted partner, who can also support your agency with philanthropic and volunteer contributions, as numerous e-commerce vendors are utilized by departments.
• You have no way to track inventory, or even how much you’re spending on this initiative.
• You distribute inferior products to your most valuable stakeholders, further degrading your brand.
• You create political infighting, as certain departments start to resent other departments who have invested more in swag.

My strong advice is to treat this a central agency initiative, and put one person in charge of overseeing the process and approving the orders. You’ll get a much better result!

Myth #7: The Job is Done After the Swag is Handed Out

The true value of SWAG in human services unfolds through ongoing engagement. Encouraging staff to wear their items proudly, share their experiences on social media, and participate actively at community events turns them into ambassadors for your brand. Continuously showcasing your SWAG at various touchpoints ensures that your organizational values are visible and vibrant.

To conclude, SWAG in the human services sector is much more than mere merchandise. It's a strategic tool that can enhance your branding, enrich your recruitment efforts, and strengthen retention. It embodies your organization's values and commitment to its team and community. Let’s shift our perspective and fully embrace the potential of SWAG to transform our workplaces and community interactions!

I invite you to share how your organization utilizes promotional items to further its mission. Perhaps this has given you some new ideas? Join the conversation in the comments below!