First impressions will definitely leave an impact. The first few months of a new employee are crucial to their longevity, and companies should take advantage of this small window to engage them and make them feel welcome. This is why companies should ensure a smooth and well-planned onboarding programme. It does more than just make the business look good. Statistics show that a good onboarding plan can help improve retention by 82%.
One of the best things a company can do is celebrate its first success – by giving out onboarding welcome kits. More than making your new employees feel appreciated, these kits can also communicate your organization’s culture and give your company a significant level of visibility when these employees brag about these first benefits on social media. Having trouble with what kind of kit to include in your next onboarding session? Here are some ideas to get you started!
What is an Employee Welcome Kit?
Enhancing the onboarding process with an employee welcome kit can make a significant impact. A welcome kit is a curated collection of items designed to help welcome, inform, and support new employees as they transition into their new roles. This helps streamline the onboarding experience by providing them with the essential knowledge and information right from the start.
The contents of a welcome kit can vary greatly between companies, influenced by budget, specific needs, and other considerations. Typically, you would see a lot of branded merchandise being used in welcome kits. However, the perfect one for your company is unique and should reflect your company culture.
Benefits of Crafting a Welcome Kit
For Employees
Welcome kits help show your new hires how much they’re appreciated as they embark on this new chapter. Here are some of the benefits they can get out of a well-made welcome kit:
- Good First Impression: A thoughtful welcome kit can be a memorable start for your new employees. This shows them you took the extra step to make their transition easier and smoother.
- Smoother Onboarding Process: Onboarding can be a hectic period for many new employees with so much new information to remember. A welcome kit can supply them with the information and resources to make sure that they are well-equipped for whatever comes their way.
- Positive Work Environment: Receiving a welcome kit can help set the tone that your new employees would have a positive experience throughout their stay.
For Employers
Welcome kits are more than just for show. Here’s why investing in onboarding kits can greatly benefit companies:
- Boosts Employee Morale and Productivity: Make new employees feel appreciated and part of the team. This recognition increases their initial engagement and motivation for the job.
- Increased Brand Exposure: Well-made employee welcome kits promote social sharing among your employees. Sharing your welcome kits to their networks or via social media platforms like LinkedIn can be great word-of-mouth marketing for your company.
- Increased Employee Loyalty and Retention: The first few months of an employee’s stay is their most crucial. This is the period where they decide if a company is cut out for them in the long term. Pairing a good onboarding process with a welcome kit can signal to your new employees that the company is just as committed to their professional growth.
15 Employee Welcome Kit Ideas
Set a positive tone for your new employees with a thoughtfully crafted welcome kit. Explore our curated list of welcome kit ideas to help you create a personalised and impactful introduction for your newest team members.
Culture-centered
Welcome kits are not just a random collection of quality gifts and treats. It’s also a way to introduce how the company works and the values it upholds. Feel free to add in things that will reflect your company’s identity.
1. The Old Traditional
You won’t go wrong with this kit! It’s the ultimate starter pack for any employee and is perfect for small-scale companies and start-ups.
What’s inside: It consists of useful office items with your brand or logo like a mug, a shirt, a tote bag, a notepad, and pen.
2. Cyberpunk
A more tech-savvy generation will eventually take over the employee market which means a lot of employees will appreciate gadgets they can use even on their first day.
What’s inside: This set has products they can use to stay connected like a universal charger, power bank, Bluetooth speaker, phone, or tablet stand.
3. Traveling Salesperson
This is perfect for consulting or audit companies that see some of their workforces on the road or on day trips.
What’s inside: Make their trips much more comfortable with a polo shirt, thermo flask, cooler bag, and umbrella.
4. Work From Home
The pandemic has definitely shifted workplace dynamics. Working from home is one of the market shifts that experts believe will persist in the coming years. While office interaction will minimize, this does not mean your culture should.
What’s inside: Help them be productive while at home with a hoodie, coffee press, mug, earphones, or headset.
5. A Greener Future
Another market trend that became much more apparent in recent years is sustainability. This means employees will appreciate more eco-friendly options for their welcome gifts. This is perfect for green-oriented organizations or companies that are moving to a more environmentally conscious strategy.
What’s inside: Use products that are made up of recycled parts like reusable bottles, jute or canvas bags, reusable cutlery set, and bamboo wireless charger.
6. Swag it Out
Give your new team a reason to wear your company with pride. Including branded apparel in a welcome kit is a great way to foster team spirit from the start. Giving new employees company swag, such as crew neck shirts, hoodies, caps, and corporate uniforms helps them feel like part of the team immediately. This not only promotes unity but also serves as a constant reminder of their new professional home.
What’s inside: Cap or beanie, shirt or polo, hoodie, socks, key fob.
7. The Utilitarian
You can never go wrong with utility and versatility. Employees appreciate items they can use for a long time, not just trinkets that will just sit on their desks and collect dust.
What’s inside: Everyday items are perfect giveaways like umbrellas, ponchos, caps, or duffle bags.
8. The Wild Card
One of the key strategies in keeping your employees engaged is involving them in decisions and empowering them with choice. You can set a budget or “company credits” that your employees can spend on merchandise. Check out our solutions for company stores!
What’s inside: It’s up to you and your employees!
Self-care and Wellness
The newer generation of employees considers work-life balance as an important factor for work. Showing your employees that you care about them enjoying their personal time can increase loyalty and retention.
9. Gym Junkie
This is not only perfect for athletic or sports-oriented companies, but for companies who espouse the importance of health to their employees.
What’s inside: Singlet or dri-fit shirt, reusable bottle or squeeze bottle, beach or bathroom towel, gym bag.
10. Pamper it Up
This is not only perfect for athletic or sports-oriented brands, but for companies who espouse the importance of health to their employees.
What’s inside: Diffuser, toiletry bag or pouch, beach or bathroom towel, massager.
11. The Great Outdoors
If your office is near hiking trails or outdoor activities, you can encourage employees to enjoy the wonders of nature with this set.
What’s inside: Cooler bag, reusable cutlery, boonie hat, multi-tool, torch, or lantern.
12. Ready, “Jet Set”, Go!
Traveling is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Gear your employees up for their next adventure! This is also perfect for hospitality or tourism-oriented companies like airlines and cruise ships.
What’s inside: Neck pillow, toiletry bag, power bank, universal charger.
Food and Beverage
Take your employees through gastronomical delights with kits that can help them discover new flavours or help them enjoy their favourite food and drink. The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but isn’t that true for everyone else?
13. But First, Coffee!
Coffee is the most important part of the day. As one of the most popular beverages in the world, you’ll never go wrong with this kit.
What’s inside: Mug, tea infuser, coffee press or plunger, kitchen scale.
14. Wine and Dine
Let your employees enjoy the exquisite flavours of a fancy dinner or a tête-à-tête over wine and some cheese. Who knows, you might even set up a member for an amazing outdoor wine date.
What’s inside: Cheeseboard, multi-tool or wine knife, a pair of wine glasses, whiskey stones.
15. Masterchef
Home items will always be appreciated, especially quality ones. This is also perfect for younger employees who are often freshly moved in. Help them get started with living an independent life with these useful items.
What’s inside: Apron, coaster, salad server, steak knives.
Final Thoughts
Creating a positive first impression on new employees during their initial days is crucial. We’ve shared a variety of ideas to help you craft an exceptional welcome kit for your new hires.
While there are numerous options and examples from other companies, the best welcome kit is one that reflects your unique company values and culture. By doing so, you can genuinely connect with your newest team members and make them feel truly welcomed and valued from the very start.
Get Started: Build Your Own Employee Welcome Kit
Looking to level up your onboarding process with a welcome kit? Start customising your welcome kit today with Red Tomato.
