Swag Success: How to Score a WFH Culture Win like a Pro
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Meet Softheon
Softheon is a healthcare technology firm delivering a simpler solution to eligibility and enrollment technology for carriers, government agencies, state exchanges, and associations.
“From November 1 to December 15 is open enrollment. Once a year, everybody has the opportunity to change the health plan that they're enrolled in and we have the privilege to help with that,” says Rebecca Hayman, Marketing Associate at Softheon.
“We deal with all of the back-end technology for the customers that we service. So for instance, if we're working with a Health Care Health Plan carrier, we're servicing all of their back end technology to make sure that their constituents get enrolled in health plans.”
As a marketplace-as-a-service, Softheon is bringing healthcare to the modern era and making the industry more accessible with a seamless enrollment experience. To do this, they’ve made sure to bring on a talented and high performing team, which has helped build up their reputation for a strong office culture. With the office being a significant part of Softheon’s powerful culture, the team had a dilemma on their hands when COVID hit: could they bring the same culture to their employees newly working from home? And more importantly, how to do it?
That’s when they found SwagUp.
Transitioning from the Office to Working from Home
Like many teams, Softheon anticipated that the transition from an office culture to a work from home environment would be full of challenges. And for Softheon, the challenge started around March.
“It was definitely a whirlwind experience. We closed about a month before the actual surge of the pandemic. When the rumors of COVID were going around, we quickly put in a plan, and we ended up sending everyone home,” says Natalie DiMasi, Human Resources Coordinator at Softheon.
“Before COVID, we did not ever think that we would be a work from home company. It was never considered something that could be sustainable for us because being at the office is a huge part of our culture.”
— NATALIE DIMASI, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR AT SOFTHEON
The shift was a big one, especially since being at the office was a core part of what it felt like to be a member of the team. In fact, the Softheon team had not seriously considered being a work from home team before.
“Before COVID, we did not ever think that we would be a work from home company,” says Natalie. “It was never considered something that could be sustainable for us because being at the office is a huge part of our culture. When you walk into the Softheon building, there are people everywhere. There is always something going on, from events Softheon holds to people playing badminton outside.”
“So from a business standpoint, we never thought about working from home. We are a tech company, and while we can work from home, we have such an incredible work environment in the office that many people, even today, can't wait to go back.”
“When this whole thing happened, it really put us and our culture to the test. Will we be able to maintain our incredible culture and structure and everything that Softheon offers?” says Natalie, “We thought it would go out the window,”
Understandably, the first quarter of quarantine was difficult for everyone. Teammates were feeling a little depressed and morale was down. “Our employees miss their co-workers and we said, we have to do something,” says Natalie.
Upgrading Their Swag Workflow for a WFH Culture Win
Powerful change starts with the belief that something better is possible. And the Softheon team started to wonder: could there be something that could help with this transition period?
“So we did our research. I don't remember how I came across SwagUp. It may have been on LinkedIn, but I immediately thought to myself, this is awesome,” says Natalie, “We were running into the problem where we were looking to send everyone swag, but no one sent it individually or personalized.”
At first, the Softheon team wasn’t sure what to expect. “I really didn't have any expectations,” says Natalie, “My team and I were always the ones sending or ordering things and making sure that it got to the right person in the office. So I was just hoping it would be more efficient than what we were doing. And it clearly is. You guys have been absolutely incredible, Kia and Brenda have truly made this experience seamless.”
“I really didn't have any expectations. My team and I were always the ones sending or ordering things and making sure that it got to the right person in the office. So I was just hoping it would be more efficient than what we were doing.”
— NATALIE DIMASI, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR AT SOFTHEON
The Softheon team gave SwagUp a trial run, and from the very start were excited to be able to get into the nitty gritty as they looked at the mockups. As they worked with their SwagUp rep, the Softheon team discovered that there were a lot of possibilities for using their swag.
“We have a very hands-on onboarding experience. When we were in the office, we would greet them at the door and spend the day with them. Then, they'd have their mentor come in and have free catered lunch with them,” Natalie says, “So when new hires get their swag pack, they feel like they're part of the team. They have a shirt, they have a mug, they have their notebook, so it gives them that head start to really dive into their new role and feel they're supported going into it. It gives them a warm welcome.”
With a curated swag selection and suggestions from their Swag Expert partner, the Softheon team quickly put together their first swag pack.
The best part? It was a complete surprise.
“Everyone absolutely loves the swag and getting it at their door, because we don't tell anyone they are getting a package,” says Natalie, “We surprise them.”
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Ordering swag? Get extras! There's always something that comes up, a new hire, a memory slip, a client you want to recognize, etc.
“When new hires get their swag pack, they feel like they're part of the team, they have a shirt, they have a mug, they have their notebook, so it gives them that head start to really dive into their new role and feel they're supported going into it. It gives them a warm welcome.”
— NATALIE DIMASI, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR AT SOFTHEON
As for working with the SwagUp team, here’s what Natalie has to say: “If there is an error in the address, or if the new hire accidentally provides us with an incorrect address, the Swag Up team always makes sure to change it immediately and send it back out to the recipient. The fact that you guys are so ready to help us even if you don't even have those items, I think that's something to really hone in on.”
The Verdict: Swag Success!
“We've had an incredible experience with you guys. We're definitely excited to continue this. We have pretty much ordered at least one of every category you guys offer. So from a backpack to sweaters, while we're currently looking at the jackets, we've ordered basically one of everything. I often send over ideas to Kia and she is always so ready to help me with a new item “ says Natalie.
The surprise swag packs were well-received with the Softheon team andelping this powerhouse team take their thriving culture from the office to their newly distributed team. Softheon is proof that distance is no barrier to scoring a culture win.
“It definitely helped boost employee morale. Especially during COVID, morale has been down tremendously, so I think getting these packs has helped. We sent out one with a mask and ones with warm, homey things for quarantine. This has really helped everyone push through the dark and difficult period,“ says Natalie.
“It definitely helped boost employee morale. Especially during COVID, morale has been down tremendously, so I think getting these packs has helped everyone push through a dark and difficult period.”
— NATALIE DIMASI, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR AT SOFTHEON
The appreciation for this simple gesture extends beyond the screen too. “From a marketing perspective, the fact that we're able to have everything branded is phenomenal,” says Rebecca, “A lot of employees show their appreciation, they've been tagging us on social media, we've been sharing it on our stories, simple things like that.”
Congratulations for the swag win, Softheon! We love working with clients like you ❤️
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