Essential Items to Include in Your 2024 Employee Welcome Kit

by Justin Reynolds | Mar 21, 2023 | Welcome kits

The importance of an employee welcome kit simply cannot be understated, especially when considering the critical first several months of a new employee’s tenure. According to a study by the Work Institutes, it turns out that 2 out of 3 newly hired employees leave their jobs within their first year. Interestingly, the Brandon Hall Group conducted a study for Glassdoor.

They found that a strong onboarding program, complete with a thoughtful employee welcome kit, could potentially increase employee retention by as much as 82%.

For businesses, the challenge is to make an exceptional first impression that can foster commitment from new hires. So, where should you start? With things you can control, such as welcome kits.

Interestingly, new employees often find these kits fundamental to their integration into the company. An employee welcome kit collects gifts and treats that make new members feel appreciated and importantly serves as:

A means of helping new employees get started
A tool to introduce company culture
A way to promote your company
A means to mark the transition between “applying” and “being hired”

Now that we understand the importance of onboarding and the role of welcome kits, let’s explore what makes an impactful welcome kit in 2024.

Essential Items to Include in Your 2024 Employee Welcome Kit:

1. A Welcome Note or Letter from The Leader

Why it’s important: A welcome letter serves as one of the first forms of recognition for an employee. It synchronizes the expectations of the employee and the company from day one.

How should you do it: It’s important to personalise the letter, including the employee’s name and role. With the help of HR, leaders can craft letters that effectively highlight why they hired the employee, the expectations, and an expression of delight to have them on board.

2. Company Swag

Why it’s important: Welcome kits that contain your company’s promotional products give a tangible version of your appreciation. It also helps them identify with their new group as they’ll be carrying the company’s brand with them.

Promotional materials also serve as a great way to introduce your brand to other people – whether your employees are wearing them on an errand run, or if they’re so impressed with the kit that they’ll share a photo of it on their social media accounts.

How should you do it: Consider your company’s identity and the practicality of the products. You can choose versatile and traditional ones like ceramic mugs, or level it up with thermo-flasks or vacuum mugs.

You should also include products your employees can wear like jackets, vests, caps, shirts, or even singlets so they can show off your brand when they’re running or working out. Furthermore, your products should be able to communicate your company’s values. Are you a sports-oriented company? Why not include fitness gear?

Are you advocating for sustainability? Include reusable items, biodegradable and sturdy pouches, or products that are made from recycled materials. To get started with your welcome kits, you can check out our wide range of branded products that your employees will surely enjoy.

3. The Company’s “Culture Bible”

Why it’s important: Leadership won’t always guide the new employee through the company’s culture. There are organic ones, like team communication or company vibe.

How should you do it: Include the company’s employee handbook and “culture bible” in your welcome kit. Some companies even distribute copies of specific books, like Ogilvy and Mather’s “The Eternal Pursuit of Unhappiness.”

4. Induction Materials

Why it’s important: You can’t expect your new employees to waltz into your workplace and know everything they need to know. On their first day, employees should be given purpose and direction as it can make them disconnected from the company if they fail to establish those points.

Induction packages will also help your employees navigate through the different systems you have and align their goals and work style to your company’s mission and vision.

How should you do it: Include materials introducing your company’s vision, mission, brand identity, and core values. The kit should contain a day’s checklist for the new employee, such as a list of applications and credentials (e.g., e-mail, office chat), an understanding of their immediate hierarchical structures, and additional HR documents.

Do you want newly hired people to feel welcome in your company? Book here for a free 15-minute Welcome Kit Consult with one of our experts.

Or you can get in touch with us directly at 1300 776 733 for more information.

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Best Welcome Kits for New Employees in 2023

by Justin Reynolds | Feb 4, 2023 | Business Resources, Marketing Tips

Welcome kits or starter packs for new employees are an essential part of onboarding new employees to your team. Including branded gifts in your kits can encourage company loyalty, make new staff feel like they are part of the team, and be a great way to make a first impression!

If you are looking to put together a welcome kit for your company, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve prepared KICKASS SAMPLE KITS to help you get new ideas ranging from PR boxes to warm welcome starter packs!

Here are the top 23 items best welcome kit items for new employees in 2023:

Wireless Headphones
Premium Bluetooth Speaker
Wireless Chargers
Laptop Stand
Retail Branded Backpack
Vacuum Cup
Notebook and Pen Pack
T-Shirt
Coffee mug
Cap
Reusable bag
Infusion drink bottle
Stationery set
Lunchbox
Keychain
Drawstring bag
Keep Cups
Die Cut Stickers
Candles
Hoodie
Table Games
Umbrella
Outdoor Essentials

While these may be the most popular gifts to include in welcome kits for new employees, there is always room for creativity! There are some guidelines to follow to make sure your welcome gifts resonate with your new employees. Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide on which products to include as welcome gifts for your new employees.

Tip 1: Choose gifts that make new employees feel part of the team

Welcome kits are designed to help with new employee onboarding and to make the employee feel welcomed to the company. Including company branded products in your welcome kit for new staff will make employees feel like part of the team.

For the same reason, fans wear uniforms to match their favorite team, employees at a company use branded products because they have a sense of pride in the company and they are unified to the team. Including branded welcome gifts for new employees will help them feel this sense of unity with the team right from the get-go.

Tip 2: Personalise your welcome gifts to match your brand

Of course, you should customise your welcome gifts to match your brand logo, colors, and style. Furthermore, you should personalise your welcome gifts for new employees to match the role, company industry, and the team’s attitude.

Is your team very casual? Maybe choose to include a branded T-Shirt rather than a button-down. Will the new employee’s role requires them to be on the road traveling often? Instead of a branded coffee mug, swap it for a travel mug. Does your company have a wellness program that encourages employees to be active outside? Include a branded cap to encourage participation in the company activities. Will your new team member be taking clients golfing often? Include a nice, branded polo shirt!

It’s important to customise your welcome gifts to be relevant and useful for the new employee.

Tip 3: Make sure the products you choose deliver core company values

The products you choose to welcome new employees to your company should immediately introduce them to your values. If your company values sustainability, include a reusable water bottle in your welcome kit. If one of your core values is continual learning, maybe include a branded pen and notebook to encourage new employees to take notes.

Tip 4: Learn from the experts when choosing your welcome gifts

Companies all over the world, both large and small, have learned that welcome gifts contribute greatly to employee’s onboarding to a new role. If you need some inspiration, take a look at these companies who have put together welcome gifts for new employees:

TWITTER

Twitter includes a reusable tote, bottle of wine, small and large notebook, and a branded team T-Shirt for their new hires.

FACEBOOK

In their welcome kit for new team members, Facebook includes a branded mouse, T-Shirt, and two notebooks.

UBER

Uber includes a drawstring bag, jumper, cap, notebook and pen, pencil holder, and moreN

While these larger companies have great examples of welcome kits, there are some more local experts we can learn from. For example, Prospa put together a great new welcome kit for their new team members and included some branded gifts. Read our case study on how Prospa completely transformed their welcome kit with branded gifts that encourages company loyalty.

Ready to design your own welcome kit for new employees?

BUILD YOUR COMPANY WELCOME KIT

Top 5 Coolest Company Uniforms

by Justin Reynolds | Nov 23, 2022 | Business Resources, Human Resources, Marketing, Welcome kits

Over the last few years, company uniform policies have become much more casual. The implementation of casual Fridays, as well as millennials’ relaxed approach to business attire, have contributed to this approach. Nonetheless, uniforms are far from being outdated. They are a solid way to keep employees feeling like they’re part of a team, as well as helping your external clients recognise your brand. In this article, we will discuss the latest trends and the top 5 coolest company uniforms.

Here are the top 5 of Red Tomato’s favourite company uniforms:

1. Roster Bar and Restaurant in Helsinki, Finland

Denim is back in a big way: think 1980s’ Guess. Everything is made of denim- shirts, skirts, aprons, and entire outfits. Roster shows off its new uniforms, showing that this material is not only durable, it’s also sleek and super comfortable for its employees. Adding gold, tattoo-inspired logo stitches on each piece brings the look together seamlessly.

2. WOW Air, based in Reykjavik, Iceland

Since its inception in 2011, WOW Air has been pushing the envelope. With their jaw-dropping prices and use of bold colours, they haven’t stopped turning heads. Their bright purple uniforms are a risk worth taking- something Delta could have learned years ago. Not only does their sleek attire fit the entirety of their brand (think the airplane, website, and boarding passes), it also leaves a lasting impression on the consumer.

3. Cloudera, founded in the Silicon Valley, California, USA

Depending on what kind of business you run, sometimes logoed t-shirts or polos are the way to go. For example, if you run a hardware store, it wouldn’t fit the brand to have your retail associates wear a suit and tie. As Cloudera proves, with slogans like “I like big data and I cannot lie,” logoed shirts are simple, effective, and can be quite fun. Not only are these t-shirts super comfortable, but they also leave a lasting impression on clients.

4. WestWaters Hotel and Entertainment Complex in Caroline Springs, Victoria, Australia

As WestWaters’ staff proves, sometimes there’s nothing better than the classic button-up shirt. This fashion-forward establishment knows that, in 2018, checkered shirts are all the rage. This Gingham print is super versatile, as it can be paired with, khakis, black pants, or even a denim skirt. Having your employees dress in this uniform- which is just as fashionable on the street- demonstrates how approachable and relatable your company is.

5. Red Tomato, based in Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Red Tomato (that’s us!) believes in presenting your company with a look of classic elegance. We specialise in tailored chic, combining your brand with the highest names in fashion, such as Calvin Klein, Van Heusen, and Pierre Cardin. There’s nothing like the everlasting style of a European button-down shirt or a sleek, fitted suit jacket. Not only should you dress for the job you want, but you should also dress for the clients you seek.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of the five coolest company uniforms today. From bold colours to logoed t-shirts, to high-fashion classics, there is one thing that these looks have in common. Like everything else, you want to make sure that your image ties directly to your brand.

Upgrade Your Corporate Uniforms

If you need branding tips, we at Red Tomato are always here to assist you. We can help you choose whichever of the coolest styles will work for your company’s mission. Book a session below, and one of our expert fitting professionals will come to you. We want to help you show off your team’s ultimate corporate look.

The Only Event Planning Checklist You’ll Ever Need For 2023

by Justin Reynolds | Mar 4, 2022 | Business Resources, Events, Marketing Tips

Successful event planning involves many elements coming together smoothly. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook steps or deviate from your ultimate event goals. So, to help you, here’s your comprehensive event planning checklist. This checklist aims to ensure success before, during, and after your event.

Here is your complete event planning checklist to ensure everything is successful before, during, and after your event.

Pre-Event

Firstly, set Goals: What are your event goals? Why plan the event? What outcomes do you expect? Use our Define Your Goal worksheet to create attainable goals.
Secondly, identify your Target audience: It’s crucial to identify the event’s target audience. After all, knowing which audience will help you achieve your goals is essential.
Next, Establish a Budget:While crucial, determining a budget can be hard. When creating your budget, be detailed. Include the item, description, quantity, estimated cost, and actual cost. If you need help, here are some tips for creating an event budget.
The fourth step involves Crafting a Program: This step combines the first three checklist elements. Create an event agenda that adds value to your target audience and lets you reach your goals while adhering to your budget.
Then, focus on Speakers: Now you have your program, you can recruit speakers. Source speakers who are industry experts and can captivate an audience.
Lastly, consider Sponsorship: Are you hosting the event alone or do you need sponsors? Sponsorship can give your event more reach and another engagement dimension. If required, reach out early in the planning stage.
Marketing
- Start with the Website: Create a simple one-page website with all essential information for potential attendees.
- Then, initiate Social media campaigns: Market your event using paid social media campaigns. Consider using Facebook Ads or LinkedIn Sponsored InMail for your target demographics.
- Additionally, consider Giveaways: Giveaways can promote your brand and event. Consider holding a giveaway of a free event ticket and a branded product as a prize.
- Also, don’t forget about a Press release: Don’t forget about promotions outside of your network. Reach out to different publications to market your event to a wider audience.
The venue choice is crucial. Secure a venue that meets the needs of your target audience and the event’s goals. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a venue for your event:
- Permits: What permits will you need? Are they easy to get?
- Number of guests: Will your venue accommodate the target number of attendees?
- Room design and furniture: What is the vibe you will be creating for your event? Is it more relaxed and casual or more of a formal environment? Knowing this will help you determine which venue is best.
- Parking: Does the venue have enough parking to accommodate the estimated number of attendees?
- Logistics: Will you and your team be able to move in and out all of the equipment needed for the event quickly and without issues? What about music and sound for the different presentations?
- Location: Is the venue in a location that is easily accessible by your attendees? If not, how will you make it accessible?
Equipment: Before your event make a list of all of the equipment (and backup equipment) you will need to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Handouts: What will be in the welcome back for each attendee? Will there be different items for different days of the events?
Gifts: What promotional merchandise will your brand be giving out to attendees? How is it helping your reach your goals and engage with your target audience? Will you have different branded gifts to give out each day of the event? Will your company be holding any giveaways or competitions to engage attendees even further?

Day of the event

Organise event staff: The morning of the event should begin with a (brief) group meeting with the entire event staff. The purpose of this meeting should get them excited about the day to come and to ensure they know their responsibilities.
Set up attendee registration and entertainment space: This is your attendee’s first impression of the event, so you need to set the right tone from the start.

Post-Event

Clean up: Your staff will be exhausted by the end of the event, but it’s important to respect the venue you used and clean up every piece of the event.
Thank you letters or gifts to staff and volunteers: The event wouldn’t have been possible without them and you should thank them for all their hard work.
Thank you presentation for sponsors: Also, prepare a thank you presentation for sponsors: If your event had sponsors involved, you should prepare a presentation with the final numbers and KPIs for the event, and what those results mean for those brands.
Follow-up engagement plan with attendees: How will your brand further engage with attendees even after the event is over?
Debrief with key stakeholders to review goals and plan for improvements: Upon the completion of the event, you should plan a meeting to discuss with the organization team the following:
- Overall feelings about the event
- Did the event reach your goals?
- What can be improved upon for the next event?

Top 10 Best Welcome Gifts for New Employees in 2024

by Justin Reynolds | Feb 4, 2022 | Business Resources, Marketing Tips

Everyone loves a good first impression. Welcome kits are an essential part of onboarding new employees to your team. Including branded gifts in your kits can encourage company loyalty, make new staff feel part of the team, and be a great way to make a first impression!

This is the crucial period when a new hire will learn more about a company’s background and processes, and interact with the rest of their team. If they haven’t already made an impression, this is the time they will either affirm or form new impressions based on how their first few days go. According to a study, a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and improve the productivity of employees by 70%.

Learn more about the different trends in welcome gifts as well as our curated picks for every situation as we deep dive into how you can create a memorable onboarding experience for new employees.

Elevating the Onboarding Experience

In 2024, the best new employee gifts are all about personalisation and creating memorable experiences. Generic gifts are a thing of the past and may even point to you being an outdated company that’s not in line with the times. It’s time to ditch those one-size-fits-all gifts of mugs and pens. Give your employees experiences not things — foster team building and team spirit through gift certificates for rock climbing or cooking classes.

Personalisation matters. It’s more than just knowing what their name is and printing it on their desk. It means going that extra mile to discover what hobbies or interests they have outside of work and incorporating that into their welcome gift box. Being acknowledged is something all people crave and making your employees feel valued from day one can go a long way.

Red Tomato’s Selection for New Hires

The customer experience is at the heart of everything we do at Red Tomato. For 2024, here are some of the new employee gifts that you should be adding to your radar:

Promote Health and Wellness —Show appreciation for your employee’s well-being with a wellness kit. Items like a bean bag, neck pillow, and blanket are perfect for unwinding during break sessions. Encourage an active lifestyle with items like a pace pedometer watch, an active t-shirt, and a sipper bottle.
Go Grreen with Eco-Friendly Picks — Display your commitment to sustainability by choosing reusable products packaged in eco-friendly materials. Items like a pen in a bamboo box, a spirit level & bottle opener, and a 100% cotton tote are great additions to your welcome employee kit.Support Local Products — Aussie products are high quality, environmentally safe, and great to include in your welcome kits. Choose from a selection of items like a customised whiskey glass, a bamboo cheese board, an artisan leather memo pad, 3D engraved artwork, and more. Wear that Aussie pride by giving back to the community and supporting local.
Embrace the Season of Spring — Whether it’s a picnic or an outdoor getaway, we’ve got you covered! Soak in the beauty of nature and outdoors with curated items of spring-ready essentials. Our Spring Collection contains gifts such as picnic blankets, lunch bags, wide-brim hats, garden kits, and camping chairs.

From Practical to Personal: A Range of Options

There are many gifts to choose from whether they are practical or personal. Here are our diverse picks for new employee gifts:

Gift cards or vouchers — Gift cards will always be popular due to how versatile they are. There is a gift card for anything and everything. Whether these vouchers are for the nearby coffee shop next to your office building or that hip new cycling studio perfect for after-work cardio.
Ergonomic desk accessories — Desk accessories that are practical and ergonomic are great not only for your employees’ productivity but also for their health. Things like a laptop stand, ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard, footrest, wrist rest, or seat cushions are picks that nobody will say no to.
Snack baskets and treats — A curated basket of snacks and treats is always a safe choice, perfect for employees needing a quick snack during break times. Swap out the food for healthier picks such as granola bars or wheat biscuits for a healthier option.

Tech-Savvy Onboarding: Gadgets and Gear for New Hires

Long gone are the days that people use pen and paper for most of their day-to-day work. Laptops, smartphones, and other apps have taken over the workforce, especially for those working remotely. Giving tech gifts to new employees that are functional and innovative are signs that your company pays attention to what they need.

Gadgets That Impress: Enhancing the Onboarding Experience

Impress your new employees with these gadgets that will surely make their onboarding experience memorable.

Personalised Airpods — Let them listen to music and participate in video meetings in style with their own Airpods, personalised with their name or initials.
Fitness Tracker — Exercise is the best antidote to stress. Encourage your new hires to stay active and healthy with a fitness tracker that will become their workout buddy wherever they go.
Noise-cancelling Headphones — Those with a budget can invest in good quality noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones can block out noise and outside distractions while they work, leaving them focused and locked in during meetings.
Charging Port or Powerbank — A charging port or powerbank can become a lifesaver for new employees when their smartphone is low on battery. Choose one that is compact and easy to carry around.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gifting for New Hires

There’s a growing trend of sustainable consumption everywhere and companies are no exception. Research states that 50% of employees prefer being a part of companies that value sustainability. Show your commitment to an eco-friendly future by giving sustainable gifts for new employees.

Eco-Conscious Choices: Red Tomato’s Commitment to Sustainability

We take our commitment to sustainability seriously at Red Tomato. Check out our sustainable new employee gifts to add to your welcome kit:

Premium Sushi Set — Impress sushi lovers with this premium bamboo sushi set containing a board, two sets of chopsticks, ceramic holders, and a bowl.
Eco-friendly Bamboo Lamp — Light up your desk with this foldable desk lamp made out of bamboo. It also doubles as a wireless charger for your mobile devices.
Bamboo Golf Accessories — Get ready for a hole-in-one with these eco-friendly bamboo golf accessories containing 6 tees, a divot tool, and 2 ball markers in an organic cotton bag.

Red Tomato’s Success Stories: Memorable Onboarding Moments

Here at Red Tomato, creating lasting impressions matters as much as delivering great products. We have helped countless companies in creating a meaningful onboarding process and here’s what they have to say:

“We have been working with Red Tomato for a number of years now in producing our Welcome Kits for new starters and other sales merchandise and they have been an absolute hit. The team is professional, friendly, and efficient and the result is a high-quality product that always receives great feedback. Highly recommended!”

Trang Trinh

“Wonderful company to deal with- the promo packs we received were created and shipped super fast and the quality of the products we received was excellent.”

Vanessa Taylor

Case Studies: Memorable Moments Crafted by Red Tomato

Our client Hologic was in the middle of moving offices when they decided that they wanted to gift their employees a welcome pack to celebrate this business milestone. They browsed through our welcome pack catalogue and personalised it, handpicking items like a branded USB hub and hoodie. It was a great addition to their office move and something their employees appreciated.

Choosing the Perfect Gift: A Guide for Employers

Picking the perfect gift is no walk in the park. Everyone has their definition of what a perfect gift is, but at the very least, a good gift is a memorable one. Here are some of the gifting considerations to give your employees a welcome to remember:

Personalisation — Adding a touch of personalisation matters. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a curated gift basket, or branded items reflecting their department, your employees are sure to appreciate being valued for their individuality.
Audience — Most people think of new employee gifts as any item that includes the brand’s logo. You don’t need to include the logo in all items since the point of these gifts is to show your gratitude.
Company Culture — Pick gifts that will align with your company’s values and overall work environment. Think of your company culture as a compass and the employee gifts are tools that will aid them in their journey with the company.
Budget — A higher budget can buy you more gifts, but more doesn’t always mean better. Curating a well-made employee welcome kit is still possible no matter the budget.

Beyond Welcome Packs: Elevating Your Gifting Strategy

It can be tempting to follow what other companies do, they are called ‘tried and tested’ for a reason. Doing something different can feel scary but they can also pay off. Consider what your company values and how you can tie it with a gift. A design studio may consider giving their new employees a caricature drawing of themselves. An adventurous marketing team may enjoy a gift voucher to an escape room that doubles as a team bonding activity. The only limit is your imagination and your willingness to go outside the box!

Conclusion

In 2024, redefine your approach to welcoming new hires with Red Tomato’s curated selection of gifts. Elevate your onboarding experience and create lasting impressions that resonate throughout your employee’s journey with the perfect welcome kit.

To learn more, speak to our Red Tomato team today.