Meaningful Gestures: The Shift from Branded Swag to Charitable Givebacks at Events
At nearly every event we’ve helped to plan or attended, company-branded swag tends to be a staple giveaway. And sure, there are some benefits to this, but we’ve learned that swag is not necessarily what your employees or event attendees want.
Over time, all that branded swag starts stacking up in employees’ homes and on desks. It no longer serves a purpose. Those items often become a burden, ending up in the closest landfill.
This is why we’re seeing more and more event planners—and event attendees—asking for something different. We’re here to tell you that there is a more meaningful option, too—charitable givebacks. These events help your team be a part of something bigger than your organization. Plus, giving back always feels good.
The Limitations of Traditional Swag
Here’s the thing with branded company swag—it’s far more important to you than it is to your people. As we alluded to earlier, the first time an employee receives some cool branded swag, it’s just that—cool. And that’s to say that you actually put some thought into the merchandise. Cheap, low-quality t-shirts, tote bags, and low-thread count beach towels don’t make your employees feel special. In fact, the lack of investment in good-quality merchandise may leave your people feeling like they aren’t worth the extra dollars.
And so, that coolness factor can quickly warm. Before long, the last thing your employee wants is more stuff with the brand logo on it. Ultimately, they want something more meaningful. More pay. More time off. The ability to roll over unused vacation time or personal days into the next fiscal year. So, if you’re looking for simple incentives, focus where your employees want you to, not where you want to.
The Rise of Charitable Givebacks
Where do charitable givebacks fit into the picture? Surely, this is not compensating your employee for a job well done. And that’s true. That’s why it is important to differentiate employee recognition, team activities, and relationship building. These initiatives should be treated separately.
Charitable givebacks work best when paired with events focused on team bonding or personal growth. For example, they’re a meaningful addition to team-building days, creating a sense of unity through shared purpose. A charitable activity could even be woven into larger company gatherings, such as an annual conference or off-site retreat, creating a positive atmosphere before getting wrapped into business sessions.
We can’t emphasize why separating recognition from giving back is so important. For instance, while an employee may appreciate a year-end bonus or holiday gift for their hard work, they may also value an opportunity to help others through a charitable activity. Recognizing achievements directly and thoughtfully can go hand-in-hand with offering a charitable experience that lets employees support causes that matter to them.
Planning for a Giveback Event
Now that the thought of your company and employees giving back is top of mind, let’s talk about how to make it happen. Here are some pointers that even the best event planners often overlook.
Choose Causes Close to Home
Consider selecting giveback activities that positively impact the local community. Projects that directly support nearby schools, shelters, or environmental efforts are often well-received and grow that sense of connection.
Align with Values, Not Beliefs
Avoid events centered around religious or politically focused causes unless these align closely with your company’s core mission. This helps create an inclusive experience that appeals to a broad audience.
Focus on Broad Appeal
While it’s difficult to cater to every individual preference, look for causes that resonate with the majority of your team, such as supporting children, education, animals, or sustainability initiatives. Also, look for activities that align with the physical abilities of most of your employees. For example, an event geared toward lifting heavy items and moving them from place to place is likely to be unenjoyable for many, but also not possible for others who have lifting restrictions. The best events take little physical effort and create opportunities for fun throughout the process.
Consider Meaningful Swag or Donations
To commemorate the event, consider gifting meaningful items, such as reusable products or items crafted by local artisans. Alternatively, make a monetary contribution to the chosen charity on behalf of your team or donate goods aligned with the cause.
Planning a Charitable Giveback Event in Seattle
One big challenge that event planners have when trying to coordinate a giveback event in the destination city is the obvious lack of knowledge about the area. Thankfully, we have the answer to your challenge. If you are planning a company conference or event in Seattle and want to include a giveback as part of your activities, we are connected with many local organizations who would love to host your team for a meaningful event.
Want to hear something even better? A study shows that 87% of employees feel better about their employer when they have an opportunity to participate in a company-facilitated volunteering event. So, how’s that for a win-win situation?
If you are ready to create an impactful and memorable charitable giveback in Seattle, the team here at Event Experience is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
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