Hiring and onboard new employees look different during the pandemic, with much, if not at all, of the interview process and new staff members’ introductions to the company and its employees happening virtually. A survey of 1,005 freshly-hired remote workers by PromoLeaf gathered new details about virtual onboard and how it was going, whether employees and employers were happy with it, and the role promotional products has in the process.

PromoLeaf’s survey found that promotional products went a long way in connecting workers to their new companies. It found that 91 percent of those who received items felt effectively welcomed. The most popular items given were t-shirts and other apparel, water bottles, journals, notebooks and other paper stationery, pens and coffee mugs.

Alongside branded products, activities were well received by new hires. These include virtual happy hours (86.5 percent), trivia games (88 percent) and a buddy system (89 percent). For each of these methods, employees said their companies were either very successful or somewhat successful at welcoming them to the role.

Transparency has also grown more important, and in PromoLeaf’s findings, plays a significant factor in employees’ since of job security (48 percent). Another 47 percent also said that they wanted to hear from CEOs, leadership and others about how the company was being affected by current events, and what was being done to protect it, including their position. However, 38 percent said their company needed to do more to keep employees informed.

For more findings from PromoLeaf’s survey, click here.