Hiring the right employee can be a challenge. As business owners, you must go through interview rounds and deliberations to select the right candidates. It’s only proper that with much at stake, your new employees experience a proper onboarding process.
New employees’ first few weeks at the new job is the most crucial part. A Brandon Hall Group study reveals that organisations with a strong onboarding process improve their new hire retention rate by 82% and their employee productivity by 70%.
But how do you create a more welcoming onboarding process?
More than a well-planned induction, you can make your new hires feel a part of the team with a thoughtful induction package.
Induction packages or welcome packs are more than just generic merchandise you give to your employees. They have evolved to become engaging and interactive experiences that give your employees a taste of your company’s culture and values.
Let’s take a closer look at how induction packages can spell a world of difference in welcoming your new employees.
Why Induction Packages Matter for New Employees
Induction packages are a tool that helps in welcoming and integrating your new employees into the company and their new roles. They help complement your existing induction processes by providing new hires with:
- A structured introduction to the company culture, values, and expectations
- Tools that would aid their transition into their new roles
- Knowledge and items that can help integrate them with the team
Giving your hires induction packages shows that you’re committed to the journey they’re about to embark on with your company. According to Gartner, a well-designed recognition programme can increase average employee performance by 11.1%.
A well-crafted induction package can bring a lot of benefits to your company.
- Complement the Induction Experience: Throughout the induction process, new employees will learn more about the company processes, culture, and rules. An induction kit can complement this by providing supplementary information they can turn to long after the induction process has passed.
- Boost Employee Engagement and Retention: A good first impression can go a long way. Employees who feel valued and appreciated tend to stay more engaged in their work. They are also more likely to remain loyal with the company.
- Promote a Positive Company Culture: A welcome kit can’t save a poor induction process. But when used effectively with a structured programme, this can help set a positive start for your new hires.
Essential Items to Include in a New Employee Induction Package
Now you know how important it is to put together a welcoming induction package. But how can you curate the perfect blend of thoughtful and functional items for your welcome kit?
There is no right or wrong when building your own induction package. In fact, the most important thing to remember is to make sure it reflects what’s true for your company’s culture and values. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the essential items to include in your induction package for new employees.
Personalised Welcome Note
Picture this: your new employee opening the induction package and being greeted with a personalised welcome message from the CEO or other top-level executives. This helps set the tone for your new hire’s journey with the company. It also expresses the company’s excitement about having them join the team. Right from the start, they get to feel connected to the leadership team, creating a sense of belonging and appreciation.
Company Handbook and Other Important Documents
A company handbook is a staple in any new hire experience. There’s a big chance that in their first few days, your new employee won’t remember everything. This is why the company handbook is so valuable. It becomes a resource for them to learn more about the company’s rules, policies, and values on their own time.
Here are some of the other important documents you could include together with the handbook:
- Employee forms, contracts, and admin paperwork
- Team profiles or directory
- Office maps
- General information (nearby amenities, transportation options, parking, emergency protocols, etc.)
Whether the handbook and documents are physical copies or digital copies that can be accessed via a QR code, there are plenty of ways to put a spin on this to fit your ideal welcome kit.
Branded Office Supplies
Give your new employees something practical for everyday work. Branded office supplies are functional whether your work setup is in the office or remote. Keep employees organised and productive in their work desks with the help of items like calendars, stationery, and notepads.
Branded Apparel
Elevate your team’s identity and company culture with branded apparel. Whether they’re on the clock or enjoying their downtime, high-quality crew necks, hoodies, and caps will showcase your brand in style.
Not only does branded swag foster a sense of team pride but it’s also a practical investment. For companies that require a corporate uniform, including branded apparel in new hire induction packages is one way to ensure they’re equipped for success.
Wellness and Comfort Items
Show your new hires that you care about their health and well-being through wellness and comfort items. These are products that can help with relaxing, staying active, and becoming a healthier version of themselves. Promote a more active lifestyle with items like sports jugs, yoga towels, drifit shirts, and fitness trackers. Encourage a spa-like day at home with massagers, scented candles, diffusers, and sleeping masks.
Tips on Making an Impact with Your Induction Package
Want to make a memorable first impression on your newest team members? Here are some tips to keep in mind to make an unforgettable introduction.
Be Practical
Make a lasting impression by picking items that can be useful and relevant to their day-to-day lives. Remember that the more they use the items, the more they’ll relate the positive experiences with the item to your company.
Be Genuine
It can be tempting to check out what other companies did with their induction packages. However, the best welcome kit you could make is one that is true to your brand. What items would best reflect your unique company culture?
Remember that people are drawn to brands that have a strong purpose and identity. Make your brand experience consistent by making your induction packages reflect your culture and values.
Do Personalise!
Show your new hires that they’re valued. Personalise their welcome kit gifts with their names or items that match their hobbies and interests. No matter how big or small your personalisation is, what matters is the extra effort that went into it. Your new employees would be more motivated to know that their company took the time and effort to give them something meaningful.
Give Your New Employees A Warm Welcome with Red Tomato
Set up your new employees for success with the help of a thoughtful induction package. Investing on your new hires can help in both employee engagement and retention, saving you time and money in the long run.
Kick off your introductions the right way with the help of high-quality and custom-branded merchandise. Get in touch with Red Tomato today!
