Imagine starting a new job and feeling a wave of excitement mixed with a touch of uncertainty. Now, picture receiving a thoughtful welcome kit that showcases your company's culture and makes you feel instantly included. That's the power of an effective New Hire Welcome Kit, a key part of Inclusive Onboarding. This article will guide you through inspiring ideas for kits that employees will love.
With its curated company branded swag, Giftpack can help you create these amazing kits. Let’s explore how to make your new hires feel right at home from day one.
What is a New Hire Welcome Kit?
Picture the first day at a new job. It’s filled with anticipation, nerves, and hope. A new hire welcome kit can ease this transition. It's more than just a collection of branded items.
It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows new employees they’ve joined a company that cares about them. It sets a positive tone for their journey, helping them integrate seamlessly into your organization.
Why Onboarding is Essential
A strong onboarding process matters more than ever. Research suggests that companies with robust onboarding increase retention by 82%. This is crucial in today’s workplace, where employees' top priorities are:
- Flexibility
- Work-life balance
- Culture
First impressions matter, and a well-crafted welcome kit can help make that first impression a positive one.
Crafting the Perfect Kit
Creating a welcome kit is an opportunity to showcase your company’s personality. Include practical items, like a branded notebook or pen, and fun items, like a quirky desk toy or custom socks. Don’t forget to include a warm welcome letter from the CEO or team leader. This personal touch can make a new employee feel valued and excited to be part of the team.
The Bigger Picture
A welcome kit is just one piece of a successful onboarding process. It should be part of a larger strategy that includes:
- Clear communication
- Training
- Support
By taking the time to invest in your new hires from the start, you show them that they are valued team members. This can lead to increased engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
Why Give New Hires a Welcome Kit?
1. Makes a Positive Impact on the Employee’s First Day
The most obvious benefit of an effective milestone program is the positive impact on your new employee’s first day. We’ve all been there before it’s your first day at a brand new job, and that can feel like you’re the new kid on the block. First days can be a little scary and intimidating, so gathering their new team together for informal introductions (and maybe some snacks) is a great way to ease those new hire jitters and help employees feel comfortable immediately.
To ensure those welcome activities are ready to rock on day one, it’s important to pre-plan and coordinate closely with your HR team during the pre-onboarding process. If you encounter some bumps in your timeline, don’t panic! Using a flexible milestone program, you can adjust on the fly to handle those bumps without a problem.
2. Promotes a strong company culture
New employee milestone celebrations are the first real introduction of your company culture and core values to your new employees. They show that your company culture focuses on its people and the importance of an inclusive and welcoming onboarding experience. When setting up your employee milestone program, include the moments, big or small, that align well with your company culture.
For example, if your company culture values employee wellness, consider providing healthy brain-food snacks during the celebration to help fuel your new hires as they absorb their week one onboarding information.
SHRM’s 2022 Global Culture Research Report found that 90% of workers who rate their work culture poorly have considered quitting. Come out of the gate strong with your new hires by giving them a positive and memorable introduction to your company culture. It’s much easier to build off a positive interaction than remedy a negative one.
3. Increases connection with remote employees
With the recent rise in remote and hybrid work stemming from the pandemic, connecting with your employees can be more challenging than ever before. Milestone gifts help bridge that gap by establishing meaningful connections with remote and in-office workers alike through a personal touch.
Fostering connections with remote employees can be challenging. Adding milestone rewards to your everyday repertoire can help your employees feel a part of a positive workplace environment, regardless of where they’re doing their work.
4. Reduces employee turnover
Now that you’ve found the perfect new hire, what a shame it would be to lose them, right? Fortunately, another benefit of commemorating their first-day milestone is that it helps reduce employee turnover by establishing a positive and immediate connection with new employees. Remember that about 31% of new employees leave their jobs within their first six months of employment. A negative onboarding experience is often to blame for these early departures.
As mentioned earlier, the onboarding experience is much more robust than a few welcome trinkets and a benefits package. But don’t underestimate the significant and lasting impact that recognizing this first-day milestone can have on a new hire’s attitude toward your company. The more positive the onboarding experience, the more likely your new hire will be satisfied with their new role and work environment, resulting in employee loyalty and higher retention rates.
5. Shows employee appreciation
Celebrating your new hires’ first day is a fantastic way to show new employees they’re appreciated and considered valuable additions to the company. Who doesn’t love receiving a warm welcome and a little appreciation? Employee appreciation should be an ongoing company priority to maintain employee happiness and productivity.
Set a tone of appreciation early so you can continue building upon it in the weeks, months, and, hopefully, years to come. SHRM’s 2022 Global Culture Research Report found that a whopping 87% of employees who rated their workplace culture poorly indicated that their company does not care about them. Only 8% of employees who rated their workplace culture highly felt as if their company didn’t care. This stat emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong workplace culture where employees feel seen and appreciated by their employers. Thoughtful milestone celebrations help companies do just that!
6. Improves employee performance and productivity
Another impactful benefit of properly celebrating new hires is that it helps boost employee performance and productivity. Of course, it’s important that your new hire has all of their necessary tech equipment and fundamental tools up and running on day one so that they can be productive and make the most of their week 1 onboarding.
Side note: A Talmundo and Vlerick study found that a staggering 43% of new hires need their core work tools for more than a week, which results in productivity plummeting.
Ensure you prioritize this important pre-onboarding step with your IT department and set your new hires up for success! In addition to their core work equipment, supplying your new hires with a “Welcome To The Team!” tool kit at their milestone meet-and-greet also helps bolster productivity. Your new employees will instantly feel like a part of the team, energizing them to start their new roles enthusiastically.
7. Promotes brand awareness & employee advocacy
Think of your employee milestone celebrations as a subtle yet impactful extension of your marketing efforts. Branded company swag items like coffee mugs, notebooks, and hoodies are quite common gifts presented to newbies on their first day.
And for good reason! Branded items with your company logo are a great way to promote brand awareness and encourage employee advocacy. You want your employees to be proud of where they work and show that pride on their sleeves.
Including branded swag items in your employee milestone gifts helps to plant the seeds for that company’s pride to grow. A super-easy way to encourage brand awareness and employee advocacy is to include a handful of branded pens in their first-day tool kit for your new hire to share out with family and friends.
A Quick Tip
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Try Giftpack's client gifting service for free today.
Related Reading
• Small Business Onboarding • Onboarding Remote Employees • Onboarding Phases • New Team Member Announcement • Onboarding Meeting • New Hire Onboarding Survey Questions • New Hire Orientation Survey • Onboarding and Training • Onboarding Goals
What Should Be Included In A New Hire Welcome Kit?
The new hire kits should be a single compact package that includes all the necessary employee new hire forms, some company- and position-specific information and a few personalized welcome-aboard items that get everything off on the right foot from the first day. Here’s what you need to know about creating a great new employee packet that hits all the important points.
The Usual New Hire Packet
New employee kits can differ in a few ways, but most items you include are standard across jobs and companies. Here’s a list of the most common items in most companies’ packets:
Welcome Letter
This is a personalized welcome letter written by the company’s owner, CEO, hiring manager, or the employee’s new team. It says a lot about your company’s culture and can help a new employee feel at ease and appreciated on their first day.
Employee Information Form
This form can be as simple or as detailed as you like, but it should at least include spaces for the new hire’s name, date of birth, and contact information.
Emergency Contact Form
The contact form ensures you know who to contact in case an emergency affects the new hire. These forms typically include spaces for the name and contact information of at least two emergency contacts and for preferred doctors or hospitals.
Payroll Forms
Payroll forms can include direct deposit forms, tax forms, and information about the new employee’s compensation structure.
Benefits Information
Try to include information about the benefits package the new hire will receive or be eligible for. This information can include each plan’s summary of benefits, information about the employee’s share of cost, and the employee benefits selection forms.
Employee Handbook
The employee handbook should include information about your company’s:
- Processes
- Procedures
- Rules
- Expectations
Your employees should know where to find answers to questions about the company or their position. Spend some time reviewing it with them during the onboarding process.
Company Directory
A company directory should include each employee's name, phone number and extension, email address, and office location. Consider including a company organization chart that shows the hierarchy of colleagues the new hire will need to know.
Office Map
Include a map of the office that clearly labels each department's location and where the new hire can find specific areas such as:
- Meeting rooms
- The bathroom
- The break room
This helps new hires feel more comfortable navigating a new workplace. Consider including a map of local hot spots, such as nearby restaurants where they can order lunch.
Confidentiality And Noncompete Agreements
If your company uses confidentiality or noncompete agreements that the new employee needs to agree to and sign, these forms should be included in the new hire kits.
Required Uniforms Or Supplies
You should also include any required uniforms or supplies the employee will need, such as parking permits, office keys, and employee badges.
3 Other Essential Things to Include in a New Hire Kit
Creating a new hire packet doesn’t have to be all business. In addition to including the standard business forms, you might think about what you would like to receive in a welcome kit if you were just starting at the company. Here are a few interesting things you can add to a new hire packet to make it feel more personal and welcoming:
1. Fun facts about the company
Many companies have a quirky side that makes them unique. Many others have been operating long enough to have a very interesting history. Some have executives who enjoy extreme ironing or other unusual hobbies.
These are great factoids to include in a fun facts sheet you can slip into the new hire kits. This is an engaging, reader-friendly way to introduce key information about your company to new hires.
Engaging Ideas for Welcoming a Wave of New Hires
If you’re stuck for facts to include in this item, review what you know about your company’s history and imagine what you would have found most interesting or funny as a new hire. If your company was founded before the invention of the doorknob, that can be a fun fact to think about as a new hire. It helps to convey how established your company has become and how much of a legacy it has built up over the years.
Choosing the Right Fun Facts for New Hire Introductions
When in doubt about the appropriateness of a fun fact, either talk it over with other managers or leave it out. It may be academically interesting that Richard Nixon was your company’s first full-time lawyer in 1946 or that the business once set a record for product liability settlements in the 1960s. These factoids are probably not something you’d like to dwell on with a new hire on the first day.
2. Company branded welcome gifts
Company swag is another positive inclusion in your new employee packets. Branded merchandise can come in any shape or size, and many suppliers can make it quickly and at a reasonable cost. There’s no practical limit to the amount, variety or creativity of the gear you include.
Items that are commonly branded and shared with new employees include:
- Hats
- T-shirts
- Mouse pads
- Hot and cold beverage containers
- Business cards
- Notebooks and stationery
- Bumper stickers
- Key fobs
- Phone or tablet cases
Including these items in your welcome kit serves a dual purpose. It makes a friendly impression on your new team member. Second, branded merchandise helps put your company logo and message in as many places as possible. As a welcoming gesture for a new hire, this is a creative way to welcome someone aboard. As a marketing strategy, it effectively builds an in-house sense of loyalty and teamwork.
3. Personality surveys and questionnaires
Your company might already use personality inventories as part of the hiring and selection process, but questionnaires can also be fun to include in your new hire kits. People tend to enjoy basic personality tests, but because these are for enjoyment rather than business, feel free to experiment with novelty quizzes.
Personality inventories that work out what kind of tree you would be or which character you are from The Wizard of Oz are a lighthearted approach to welcoming a new employee to your company.
Engaging Ideas for Welcoming a Wave of New Hires
If you’ve hired a wave of new employees, consider having them fill out and exchange their personality tests. This can help them get to know each other, bond in their new environment and unwind a little in what can be very intimidating new circumstances.
When crafting a welcome kit, consider what you’d want to receive as a new hire. Aim for a balance of necessary forms and fun extras to make the transition as smooth as possible.
27 New Hire Welcome Kit Ideas Your Employees Will Love
1. Personalized Notebook
A personalized notebook is a simple gift that makes a big impact. To make it unique, add the new hire’s name, initials, or a motivational quote on the cover. It’s perfect for jotting down notes during meetings or organizing tasks. By customizing this item, you show you value your new hire as an individual.
2. Branded Apparel
High-quality branded apparel like T-shirts or hoodies can immediately create a sense of belonging. Choose comfortable fabrics and trendy designs to ensure they want to wear the items outside the office. This gesture says, “Welcome to the team,” and reinforces your company culture.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle isn’t just thoughtful. It’s eco-conscious. A sleek stainless steel or BPA-free bottle with your company’s logo promotes sustainability while keeping your new hire hydrated. Look for features like insulation and ergonomic design for practicality.
4. Coffee Mug
A coffee mug is a classic welcome kit item; customize it for added impact. Add a motivational phrase, an inside joke, or their name. Pair it with gourmet coffee or tea sachets for an extra touch of thoughtfulness.
5. Welcome Letter
A heartfelt welcome letter from the CEO or manager makes a big impression. Express excitement about the new hire joining and outline how their role contributes to the company’s mission. Including a personal note about their background or why they were chosen adds meaning.
6. Office Supplies Kit
An office supplies kit with:
- Premium pens
- Sticky notes
- Desk organizer
Can help your new hire feel prepared. Add unique items like branded paper clips or a mouse pad for a personal touch.
7. Tech Essentials
Providing tech essentials like a wireless mouse or noise-canceling headphones sets your new hire up for success. These items show you’re invested in their comfort and productivity, especially if they’re working remotely.
8. Employee Handbook
An engaging employee handbook doesn’t have to be boring. Design it with eye-catching colors and easy-to-read layouts. Include policies, company culture tidbits, and insider tips. It will serve as their go-to guide as they settle in.
9. Snack Pack
Who doesn’t love snacks? A curated snack pack with healthy options and indulgent treats can be a delightful addition. Consider including locally sourced goodies to reflect community ties.
10. Gift Cards
A gift card to a coffee shop, food delivery service, or bookstore is a versatile gesture. It gives new hires the freedom to choose something they enjoy. Including a small note explaining why you chose the specific gift card adds a personal touch.
11. Desk Plant
A small, low-maintenance desk plant like a succulent can brighten up a workspace. Plants reduce stress and improve air quality, making them a thoughtful gift. Include care instructions to ensure it thrives.
12. Work Planner
Help your new hire stay organized with a stylish planner designed for productivity. Choose one with sections for:
- Daily tasks
- Goal tracking
- Reflection
Add handwritten notes or stickers to inspire them.
13. Headphones or Earbuds
High-quality headphones or earbuds are invaluable for focus, especially in open-office or remote settings. Opt for comfortable, durable options with good sound quality. This gift shows you care about their ability to work comfortably.
14. Branded Tote Bag
A branded tote bag is practical and stylish. It’s perfect for carrying laptops or notebooks. Choose a durable material and sleek design to make it a go-to accessory. A tote with a thoughtful quote can reflect your company’s personality.
15. Team Introduction Card
Starting a new job involves meeting many people, which can be overwhelming. An introduction card with photos, names, and fun facts about team members helps your new hire connect quickly. This gesture makes onboarding more personal.
16. Stress-Relief Tools
Include stress-relief tools like a stress ball or essential oil roller to help manage first-day jitters. These items promote wellness and show that your company values mental health. Package them in a small wellness kit for added care.
17. Customized Lanyard
A branded lanyard for keys or ID badges is functional yet fun. Make it unique by adding charms, their name, or a motivational slogan. It’s a practical accessory that reinforces team identity.
18. Fitness Accessories
Include a branded yoga mat or resistance bands to encourage a healthy lifestyle. This gift signals your company’s commitment to supporting wellness in and out of the workplace.
19. Subscription Perks
Provide a trial subscription to services like Headspace for meditation or Spotify for music. These perks cater to well-being and personal growth, making new hires feel supported beyond just their role.
20. Company Swag
Fun branded items like stickers or pins can make your new hire feel connected. These small, whimsical items add personality to their workspace and act as conversation starters.
21. Portable Charger
A portable phone charger is practical, especially for employees who work on the go. It’s a lifesaver during long workdays and shows you’re thinking about their convenience.
22. Notebook and Pen Set
Upgrade a classic stationery gift by choosing high-quality notebooks and pens with sleek designs. Look for features like leather-bound covers. Adding personalization makes this gift special.
23. Onboarding Checklist
A clear onboarding checklist helps new hires navigate their first weeks with confidence. Include tasks, key milestones, and resources. This guide ensures they feel supported and on track.
24. Diversity and Inclusion Guide
A guide highlighting your company’s commitment to inclusion sets a positive tone. Include information about initiatives and employee resource groups.
25. Training Resources
Give your new hire access to learning tools like e-learning platforms or relevant books. This will demonstrate your investment in their development and empower them to grow.
26. Photo Frame
A simple photo frame for your new hire's desk lets them personalize their workspace. It’s a small addition that makes their office feel like a second home.
27. Welcome Video
A short, engaging welcome video featuring team introductions and a warm message from leadership adds a personal touch. Share it on a USB drive or through a QR code for easy access.
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• How to Influence Culture in the Workplace • How Long Does It Take to Onboard a New Employee • How to Onboard Remote Employees • How to Onboard New Employees • How to Improve Onboarding Process • How to Create an Onboarding Process • How to Improve Connection in the Workplace • How to Build High Performing Teams • Effective Onboarding • Remote Onboarding Best Practices • Best Onboarding Programs • Fun Onboarding Questions for New Hires • Onboarding Activities
What Else Should You Consider When Creating A New Hire Welcome Kit
Help New Employees Hit the Ground Running
A new hire welcome kit is your chance to make first impressions count. Start by equipping employees with essentials. Talk to folks in similar roles to see what they need on day one. Consider essential items like equipment, login details, and access cards. The quicker they can settle in, the smoother the transition.
Infuse Fun and Excitement
Make the experience enjoyable. Surprise new hires with snacks or inject humor into the employee handbook. Presentation is key, so think about adding balloons or ribbons. These small gestures go a long way in building excitement and enthusiasm, setting a positive tone.
Keep Communication Simple
New hires have a lot to absorb, so keep it straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical language. Stick to the basics to ensure clarity and understanding. Let them pick up the finer details as they settle in.
Answer the FAQs Before They’re Asked
Preemptively addressing common questions is smart. Create a FAQ document with input from current employees. Cover the basics, like parking, lunch spots, and computer login procedures. A handy document saves time and provides a go-to resource for new hires.
Customize for Remote Workers
Remote employees need special attention. Send physical items to their home and provide digital copies of manuals and guides. Host virtual onboarding sessions to keep them connected and engaged. This approach ensures they don’t feel isolated despite the distance.
Seek Feedback for Continuous Improvement
Check-in with new hires a few weeks after they start. Ask about their experience with the welcome kit and what could be improved. Feedback is valuable for refining future kits and ensuring they meet the needs of new employees.
Inspiring Examples of Welcome Kits
1. L'Oréal Onboarding Kit
L'Oréal opted for a self-care pack in line with the brand’s culture, encouraging new employees to prioritize their well-being as they join the company. From the water bottle to the tote bag, all items the company chose for onboarding are eco-sustainable. This reflects L'Oréal's commitment to sustainability and employee well-being.
2. Shopee Onboarding Kit
The signature orange hue of Shopee's welcome pack visually communicates the brand's energetic and dynamic culture, making new hires feel immediately integrated into the company’s vibrant community. The box contains a:
- T-shirt
- Tote bag
- Notebook
- Pen
- Leather ID tag holder
These practical and stylish items ensure new employees are well-equipped and proud to represent Shopee.
3. Aimbulance Onboarding Kit
This box is replaced by an alternative plastic bag containing:
- Water bottle
- Notebook
- Pens
However, the best part is the “Care Book,” a guidebook with 100 tips for everyday work life, from how to set up meetings to where to find cookies. This thoughtful inclusion shows Aimbulance's dedication to supporting its employees' daily work-life needs.
4. Just Eat Onboarding Kit
Using recycled materials for the welcome pack's items underlines Just Eat's dedication to sustainability, aligning new employees with the company’s environmental values from day one.
Best merch item: The “cutting edge” to cut pizza.
5. Uber Onboarding Kit
Uber's welcome box remains minimalist by combining branded wearables and practical items. This kit includes:
- Hoodie
- Hat
- Pen drive
- Notebook
- Pen
- Backpack equipped with drawstrings
The minimalist design and functional items reflect Uber's efficient and modern approach to business.
6. Dropbox Onboarding Kit
Dropbox's welcome kit is meant to be fun and ensure new hires have useful items for their work day, like a notebook, mug, and funny stickers. It also allows new hires to select their own desk accessories and tech, promoting a culture of autonomy and customization.
7. Wrike Onboarding Kit
Offering a well-rounded kit and celebrating significant hiring milestones, Wrike emphasizes its value on employee recognition and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for every new team member. New hires are welcomed with a complete kit that features a cotton tote bag, a T-shirt, a pair of socks, a mug, a planner, a pen, and a pencil.
Related Reading
• New Hire Orientation Presentation Ideas • Fun Ways to Introduce New Team Members • New Hire Training Plan • HR Onboarding Checklist • Best Practices for Onboarding New Employees • New Hire Orientation Best Practices • New Employee Checklist • New Employee First Week Schedule Template • Onboarding Gifts for New Hires
Build A Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service
A new hire walks into the office, anxious about starting a new job. But then they receive a personalized welcome gift. Suddenly, they feel appreciated and connected. This is the magic of an inclusive onboarding process. One tool that can help you create this magic is Giftpack. Giftpack is a company that simplifies the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. Using a custom AI algorithm, Giftpack creates highly customized scenario swag box options for you.
From a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide, Giftpack curates the most fitting gifts by considering the following:
- Individual's basic demographics
- Preferences
- Social media activity
- Digital footprint
With a wide range of locally and globally sourced gifts, Giftpack ensures that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale, delivering meaningful connections across the globe.
Using Giftpack's client gifting service, you can easily create personalized gifts for your new hires that will make them feel valued and welcome.
Make your gifting efficient and improve employee attrition rates with Giftpack AI
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