Using Branded Products To Keep Remote Teams Connected

As remote and hybrid work continues to shape the modern workplace, one question keeps coming up: How do you keep teams feeling connected when they’re miles apart?

According to an article by Statista, employees working remotely worldwide increased significantly in recent years, rising from 20 percent in 2020 to 28 percent by 2023. While Slack messages and Zoom calls help with communication, there’s something special about a tangible item that reminds someone they’re part of something bigger.

That’s where branded products come in.

From custom stationery to curated team kits, branded items can be a powerful tool in strengthening team culture, boosting morale and maintaining a sense of unity.

1. Branded Welcome Packs For New Starters

First impressions still matter even if they’re virtual.

When someone joins your team remotely, they don’t get the benefit of an in-person welcome. Sending a curated onboarding kit can go a long way in making them feel part of the team from day one.

A branded welcome box might include:

● A personalised notebook and pen

● A branded hoodie, cap or T-shirt

● A coffee mug or reusable water bottle

● A welcome card signed by the team

● Useful extras like laptop accessories, lanyards or tech gadgets.

This small gesture helps build a sense of company pride and shows your commitment to employee experience regardless of location. It also ensures new hires get familiar with your brand from the outset.

2. Virtual Event Kits

Take your online events beyond the screen.

If you're hosting a virtual team-building day, internal conference or year-end celebration, sending out physical kits makes the experience more engaging. It creates a sense of participation that digital-only experiences often lack.

What to include:

● Branded snacks, coffee or drinks for a shared "happy hour"

● Game props or DIY elements for virtual challenges

● Matching team T-shirts, hats or wristbands

● Event agendas printed on branded stationery

When your team opens the same box and wears or uses the same items, it creates a feeling of “we’re in this together” even through a screen. These items also serve as souvenirs of the event, keeping the memory alive well after it's done.

3. Desk Essentials That Travel Well

Remote work setups differ.

Not everyone has a full home office but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t feel supported and equipped. Sending out practical branded items that suit a variety of work environments shows care and reinforces consistency across the team.

Ideas include:

● Branded mousepads or laptop stands

● Wireless chargers or power banks

● Ring lights for Zoom meetings

● Desk organisers or notepads

● Water bottles, coffee mugs or lunch containers

These tools add professionalism to remote workspaces while creating visual and physical ties to your company. They also serve as subtle daily reminders that your team is working toward shared goals.

4. Celebration Kits for Wins (Big or Small)

Recognition is more powerful when it’s personal.

Remote employees can sometimes feel unseen. One way to change that is to celebrate wins and milestones by sending a surprise for a project well done, a birthday or a work anniversary. A branded gift shows your team members they matter.

Some options:

● A “You Crushed It” box with snacks and a note

● Branded wine glasses or cheese boards for a toast

● Custom apparel or lifestyle gifts (like hoodies, socks or tote bags)

● Personalised thank-you notes with the manager’s message

Celebratory drops like these build morale, encourage loyalty and make employees feel like their efforts are noticed in real, tangible ways.

Why This Matters

Branded products aren’t just for clients and giveaways. They’re tools for building connections inside your business. In a distributed team, physical items become a shared language: a way to say “we’re in this together,” “we value you,” or “you’re part of the team,” without needing a Zoom call to say it.

And when done right, they don’t just strengthen culture and make your team proud to represent your brand.

Want to create something meaningful for your remote team? Contact Brandability for customised, promotional products.