Induction Package for New Employees: What to Include

by Justin Reynolds | Oct 5, 2024 | Welcome kits

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!

7 Branded Merchandise Ideas to Elevate Your Brand

by Justin Reynolds | Sep 11, 2024 | Branded Merchandise

One important but sometimes overlooked item in any marketing toolkit is promotional products. Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) reports that 73% of people want to receive promotional products more often.

Promotional products or branded merchandise provide benefits and are tangible ways for your potential customers to interact with your brand. Think of how fleeting most marketing ads and campaigns are today—branded merchandise can seem traditional, but they have benefits to your business and last as long as the products last. This gives you plenty of opportunity to leave an impression on your customers.

For companies, there are two main benefits of promotional merchandise:

Brand Awareness: Many studies have shown the effectiveness of branded merchandise when it comes to brand awareness. According to ASI, 85% of people who are given a promotional gift will remember the brand that gave it to them.
Brand Loyalty: Having a physical product to remind customers of the brand will help them get acquainted with the brand. This affinity is valuable when the time comes that they have to make a purchase and your brand comes top of mind. A Sendoso survey shows that 83% of customers who received a corporate gift said it made them feel closer to the company. 73% of consumers are also more likely to consider purchasing from a brand that gave them a branded product they kept.
Brand Engagement: A PPAI survey shows that 65% of consumers say they’ve kept a promotional item because it was useful. Every time your customers use or interact with your product, they are engaging with your brand. Investing in good quality products that last and deliver consistent engagement with your customers can also reflect a positive and engaging experience with your brand.

Knowing how valuable promotional merchandise can be for your brand, you might wonder what’s next. We curated 7 standout branded merchandise ideas that can increase your brand recognition and drive loyalty and engagement with customers.

Custom Branded Apparel

Elevate your brand through branded apparel that lets your team wear your colors with pride. Branded clothes like hoodies, crew neck shirts, and caps are all items your employees could wear whether it’s at the office or in their day-to-day activities.

According to ASI, promotional t-shirts generate 5,053 impressions over their lifetime. This is great indirect marketing for your business as it turns your employees into walking brand ambassadors whenever they wear the branded apparel.

Tech Accessories

As times change, so do people’s needs. This is why tech accessories have become a popular item to include when it comes to branded merchandise. Whether it’s a branded phone case, power bank, or wireless charger, these items will always find their use in today’s modern lifestyle. Its functionality and usability make it a great pick for brands that want products that their customers will frequently engage with.

Eco-Friendly Merchandise

The last five years have shown a 71% increase in the searches for sustainable goods according to The Economist Intelligence Unit. As the threat of climate change persists, consumers are starting to be more conscious of the goods they are purchasing. Today, brands have embraced being a part of the sustainable movement, and you can achieve this through eco-friendly merchandise.

Given the wasteful nature of cheap merchandise, show your commitment to sustainability by choosing well-built products that are ethically sourced and recycled. Items like cotton tote bags and bamboo notebooks complete that eco-friendly look while still being customisable to display your brand. Promote against single-use plastics by including a reusable water bottle for your merchandise.

Office Supplies

If your customers are based in the office, then one gift they might appreciate would be branded office supplies. Give them a boost of productivity with items that make their day-to-day tasks much easier and simpler. Think of premium branded pens, desk organisers, or even stationery items. This may be a back-to-basics choice for branded merchandise, but one that is evergreen in its usefulness.

Lifestyle and Wellness Products

Are your target customers health buffs? Or are they busy customers would they benefit from a relaxing day at the spa? Depending on their lifestyle, you can tailor your branded merchandise to give them lifestyle/wellness items that support their day-to-day activities. Keep active customers happy with branded merchandise like yoga towels, gym water bottles, or fitness trackers. Indulge your customers in need of relaxation with aromatherapy products, scented candles, and massagers. One thing’s certain, you are showing them that you value their health and well-being.

Home Products

Products that are useful at home like kitchen and home accessories can be another option for branded merchandise. These tick the box for being functional and practical, without having to tailor them very specifically to the lifestyle and preferences of your potential customers. Choose from items such as tea sets, kitchen cutlery, bottle openers, photo frames, and wine racks.

Limited Edition Items

Think of a time you were compelled to purchase something just because they were branded a seasonal item. Limited edition items have this effect on consumers that stirs their desire to purchase because of the exclusive nature of the item. You can play on this by releasing limited-edition branded apparel or collectible items. Collaborate with community artists by releasing an exclusive drop of your branded shirts or release a commemorative anniversary coffee mug that your customers.

Got a Merch Idea? Unleash Your Creativity with Our AI-Powered Merch Generator

Brands are always looking for ways to remain at the top of mind of their consumers. In a world of fleeting marketing ads, promotional products can benefit companies as they serve as a tangible reminder of your brand and keepsakes for your customers. Utilising promotional products in your marketing and brand strategy can be effective for building brand loyalty, customer engagement, and brand recognition.

When it comes to branded merchandise, there are tried and tested options that mean you don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. Embrace the future of promotional products with Red Tomato’s AI-powered merch generator, which enables you to create unique branded merchandise. Cut down time when brainstorming ideas so you can focus on what matters.

Try out our AI Merch Generator for free and see your branded ideas come to life!

Spring Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees in 2024

by Justin Reynolds | Sep 10, 2024 | Corporate Gift Ideas, Spring Products

Appreciating employees can go a long way. Employees are the backbone of every business and ensure the smooth day-to-day operations. As business owners, showing appreciation for employees should become a part of your handbook.

Think of how it would feel to work hard on a project and nailing its execution. When someone recognises this achievement, that feeling of upliftment is multiplied. This simple act of showing recognition and appreciation can do wonders for boosting employee morale and productivity. Make your employees feel proud of what they do and valued for what they bring to the business.

A Gallup study reveals that employees who receive great recognition are 20 times more likely to be engaged than those who receive little to no recognition. A Gartner study supports this, stating that a well-designed recognition program drives an 11.1% increase in average employee performance.

Spring is the season of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to celebrate the hard work of your team. If you haven’t planned any appreciation events yet, spring is the ideal opportunity to show your gratitude for your employees with seasonal corporate gifts.

In this blog, we’ll explore some spring gift ideas for employees that will be sure to brighten their day, whether they’re working on-site or remotely. Plus, we’ll share a handy tip that will change your approach to corporate gifting.

Spring Gift Ideas for Office-Based Employees

When thinking of gifts to give your employees who are working from the office, you should go for items that will improve their day-to-day activities. This means finding items that are practical and can improve their productivity.

Eco-Friendly Desk Accessories

Show your commitment to sustainable practices by embracing the use of eco-friendly desk accessories that are sure to make your employees’ workday easier.

Trade generic pens for a bamboo pen that is eco-conscious and makes for a great conversation starter.

Choose notebooks made of recycled materials like a sustainable hard-cover notebook that uses paper made of sugarcane waste.

Show a unique way of displaying the date with a bamboo calendar that makes use of bamboo blocks you could interchange to display the days and months.

Custom Tote Bags

Carrying essentials to work would be a breeze with the help of a custom cotton tote bag. This functional and versatile item could be used for office days and weekends off with its large carrying capacity. It’s also great for showing off your brand by customising it with your brand logo and designs.

Spring Gift Ideas for Outdoor and Field Employees

Unlike office-based employees, field employees have a unique lifestyle of being always on the go. This means that they would benefit more from items that cater to the needs of someone active and often outdoors.

Sunglasses & Hats

When talking about the perfect outdoor companion, you can’t go wrong with these aviator sunglasses. These modern and stylish shades come with UVA and UVB protection to shield employees who are often under the sun. The perfect companion to that would be hats just like this 5-panel cap or bucket hat. Both of these hats come in a range of colors and can be customised to show off your brand logo, making it ideal for field work when they’re representing the brand.

Custom Apparel

Because employees on the field are always on the move, they need clothes that are lightweight and breathable. A quick dry polo shirt is the ideal match, perfect for sales and field professionals who need to go to many places in a single day. Pair it with a water-resistant jacket that is comfortable and breathable, giving your employees the confidence to brave the outdoors no matter the weather. Both apparel can be customised to show off your company’s branding, which helps make a great impression when meeting clients, business partners, and other stakeholders.

Custom Water Bottles

Ensure your best employees on the field stay hydrated in style with a custom vacuum bottle. This BPA-free, vacuum-insulated bottle helps keep their drinks cold for 24 hours. It comes with a carry handle so your employees can take it with them to their pitches, presentations, and fieldwork. Customise the bottle with your brand and add to your brand recognition when your employees use it on the go.

Spring Gift Ideas for Remote Employees

Working remotely means your employees will have different environments from a typical office setup. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t give them appreciation gifts that can make a small difference in their day-to-day lives.

Home Office Upgrades

As work has shifted to remote, spaces in homes had to be reworked and reimagined to accommodate a home office. Delight your employees by giving them gadgets and accessories that can uplift their home office.

Let your employees work from anywhere with the help of a bamboo lap desk that lets them turn couches and beds into portable workstations. Multitask with ease with a phone and tablet stand that enables you to use multiple devices.

Wellness Kits

With work-life balance becoming blurred in the home office, it’s good to give your employees gifts that serve as a reminder that you care for their wellness. A yoga mat is perfect for both newbies who are getting into yoga or experts who are into yoga. Create a relaxing evening for unwinding with scented candles that help with aroma therapy.

Kitchenware

Level up break and meal times with kitchenware items that can elevate their cooking and dining experience. Gifts like a personalised mug or a serving board can be unique ways to incorporate your brand into practical items they use every day in the kitchen.

If you want something more special, you can go for a tea set or a wine glass set that can become a unique addition to their kitchenware.

The Key to Nailing the Right Employee Appreciation Gift

Whether your team’s on the go or working from home, there’s one easy way to make your thank you gifts extra special: personalisation.

Personalising your gifts shows your employees you care and makes them feel valued. You can personalise it in lots of ways. One idea is to choose gifts that relate to their job, like sporting gear if they’re in sales or a coffee mug if they’re always on the go.

But you don’t have to stop there. You can make your gifts even more personal by adding your employees’ names or choosing something that relates to their hobbies or interests. This way, each gift feels unique and special.

Create Your Own Personalised Employee Gifts with Red Tomato

Appreciating your employees is more than just some vanity metric. It can impact your business and your employee’s productivity and satisfaction while on the job. Get started with your personalised employee gift this spring with the help of a trusted promotional merchandise partner like Red Tomato. Explore our collection of customisable gifts today!

7 Corporate Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Staff

by Justin Reynolds | Sep 10, 2024 | Christmas, Corporate Gift Ideas

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to embrace the festive spirit that the season brings. The holiday season is the best time to show appreciation and gratitude for others. For businesses and company owners, one way to show appreciation to your employees is through gift-giving. If you’re an employee who has put in the time and effort, receiving a special gift from the company would mean that your presence and hand work are valued.

In this Christmas corporate gift guide, we’ve collected 7 employee Christmas gift ideas that will surely add some excitement for the holidays. We also included a section on how to choose the right Christmas products and gifts for the team.

Corporate Gift Ideas For Your Staff This Holiday Season

Personalised Gifts

Think about the time someone remembered your name or an important detail about you. It feels great to be recognised and remembered in ways that make us unique. This is the same reason why personalising gifts goes a long way.

You add a layer of personalisation to any gift by adding their names or initials to gifts like a pen or a coffee mug. If you want to go the extra mile, you can personalise the gift that each employee will receive based on their likes and interests.

Food & Beverage

You can never go wrong with gifts that will tickle their taste buds and satisfy their cravings. Gift hampers and gourmet treats are safe and great picks that your employees and their families would enjoy.

Gift Card/Voucher

Giving your employees an experience to treasure is just as valuable as any material gift. Treat them to a memorable dining experience with restaurant gift cards. Reward the team with memorable group activity coupons for yoga, rock climbing, and spinning classes. Let them try out new activities with a painting or pottery class coupon.

Wellness and Self-Care Packages

Pamper your employees by gifting them with self-care packages. Curate items that help promote good health and well-being. These would include items like aromatherapy candles and scents, bath salts, spa kits, and fitness accessories like fitness trackers.

Kitchen Essentials

Surprise your employees with kitchen essentials that will inspire the inner chef within them. Gifts such as kitchen accessories, cutlery sets, cheese boards, and even wine glasses can all serve as wonderful additions to their home kitchens.

Eco-Friendly Gifts

Appeal to your eco-conscious employees by showing your part in helping the environment. Choose recycled, upcycled, and sustainably made products such as an eco-friendly water bottle, bamboo soap holder, and a bamboo wireless charger.

Company-Branded Merchandise

Gift your employees stylish and functional branded merchandise that they can use in and out of the office. Branded swag is always a popular choice for company Christmas gift ideas because it can help instill company pride in your employees when they wear the company crew necks or don the company tote bags. Plus, this is an indirect way of promoting your brand and raising awareness when they’re using it on a daily basis in and outside of work.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Gift

Set a Budget

Even without a final budget yet, consider how much you’re willing to allot per employee. This will narrow your gift options and enable you to maximise the budget you have to find the right gift. Remember that more budget doesn’t always mean a better gift as there are many other factors to consider.

Consider their Likes and Preferences

The best gifts and the ones that make the most impact are the ones that appeal to a person’s likes and preferences. Bigger teams may need some help from team leads but try to consider what you know about your employees. Do you know their hobbies, interests, and passions? If the surprise factor isn’t that important to you, you can find out about this by giving out a survey.

Choose High Quality

The unique thing about promotional products or merchandise is that they become an extension of your brand. A product like a branded water bottle that your employee uses daily will be viewed favorably. This positive association affects how they view your brand since your logo and branding are plastered on it. If the product is cheap and falls apart easily, think of what this tells about you as a company. Make sure that you choose products that are high-quality and made by reputable suppliers so that you’re guaranteed that they last long.

Personalise

Another way to leave a lasting impact this holiday season is by tailoring the gift for the recipient. This small gesture can go a long way, showing just how much they are appreciated and recognised. Add the recipient’s name or initials on the gift or add a personalised note from the CEO or the team lead. Even if everyone receives the same gift, this layer of personalisation is what elevates normal gifts into more special and memorable ones.

Bring Joy to Your Team This Christmas with Personalised Gifts

This holiday season, it’s time to show your employees how much they are valued. Whether it’s through stylish branded swag or personalised gift baskets, the most important thing is that they see the thought that went into the corporate gift.

Gift-giving is one of the best ways to show appreciation to your team after all their hard work. Set the right budget, tailor the gift, and personalise away to ensure that you leave a memorable impression that will stay with them for years to come.

When it comes to creating thoughtful and quality employee Christmas gifts, choose Red Tomato’s branded product solutions. Red Tomato is a leading customised products solutions partner for businesses in Australia. Get started and check out our corporate gift catalogue today!

7 Company Anniversary Celebration Ideas

by Justin Reynolds | Sep 10, 2024 | Celebrations

A company anniversary is a big milestone for any business. It’s the perfect time to look back and reflect on the different challenges, achievements, and lessons learned for the past year. It’s also the best time to show appreciation to customers, partners, and employees who have helped the business get where they are today.

Different companies celebrate company anniversaries for various reasons. They can include:

Celebrating achievements and milestones: Anniversaries allow companies to reflect on their past achievements and milestones and at the same time turn to the future and inspire the team about what’s next for the business. Networking, brand awareness, setting new goals
Show employee recognition: Company anniversaries are the best time for businesses to show recognition for the hard work and contribution of their employees.
Thank your partners and clients – It’s also a great time to show appreciation for key business partners and loyal customers for their continued support and patronage.
Drive engagement and brand loyalty – The years behind your company are a great way to stand out from less established competitors. Your proven track record and longevity can be one draw for your potential customers.

Because company anniversaries are the one occasion your business shouldn’t miss, we’ve rounded up 7 company anniversary celebration ideas to get you started.

7 Ideas for Celebrating Your Company Anniversary

Themed Party

Make your annual celebration stand out with a theme. You can be as creative as you want with the theme, but aligning with your brand is important. Choose a theme that best resonates with your company culture and values. Match the dress code with the theme, incorporate themed decorations, and even themed food and drinks!

Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony

Your team is the driving force behind your business’ success. Make your employees feel appreciated and foster a positive work environment by hosting an employee recognition and awards ceremony! Invite everyone to dress up, add a section for speeches and the awarding, and indulge in a celebratory dinner.

Tailor your awards to suit the people in your team — you can go anywhere from giving a Highest Performer Award to something more creative like a Best Dancer award. Whether its an individual award or a team award, with careful and thoughtful planning, your team is sure to have a night to remember.

Charity Events

If your business is closely tied with advocacy, then one idea to celebrate your corporate anniversary is through engaging with charity events. You can do this by participating in volunteer work or fundraising for special causes. Make sure that the cause aligns well with your brand and company values. This helps associate your brand with good causes and instills a sense of purpose in your team.

Custom Corporate Gifts

Christmas isn’t the only season for gift-giving. Surprise your team, customers, and partners with personalised gifts to commemorate your company’s anniversary. Make the gifts reflect your brand in a unique and memorable way. These gifts can be branded merchandise, corporate uniforms, engraved gifts, or customised experiences.

Making sure that they are high-quality and well-designed helps leave a lasting impression. You can also personalise the gifts for your employees, taking their likes and preferences into consideration. Add a gift-giving ceremony to top it off or include personalised messages from the CEO or the team leads to make it truly an experience to remember.

Company History Exhibit

If your company has a rich history or very interesting beginnings, you can showcase your company’s entire journey from then to now through a company history exhibit. This is the best time to reflect on your company’s journey and share its story with employees and visitors. Show the different milestones you have achieved over the years. Incorporate interactive displays, guided tours, employee testimonials, and other artifacts to make it extra memorable.

Digital Celebration for Remote Teams

Remote teams can still experience celebrating a company anniversary. There are different ways you can celebrate this through online employee recognition ceremonies, virtual trivia, and game nights. Make use of tools like interactive online tools and virtual backgrounds you can customise to celebrate the event. With an extra layer of creativity and preparation, remote teams can get to experience a sense of community.

Anniversary-Exclusive Products or Services

Consider releasing a limited edition product or service package to celebrate this special company milestone. This exclusive product can include a unique logo design or emblem that highlights the years the company has been in business. For service businesses, you can bundle together best-selling services in a once-in-a-lifetime offer customers can’t refuse. Use marketing to your advantage, do product launches, and give limited-time offers your customers wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Why Recognition is Important

Celebrating company anniversaries goes beyond just the act of celebrating. There are many other benefits you can gain from it such as:

Strengthens partner relationships: Acknowledging the support and feedback of key clients and partners shows that you value their partnership.
Build brand loyalty: Showing appreciation to your clients through gifts or other benefits can help drive repeat purchases, building your customer’s brand loyalty.
Boosts employee morale: A Gallup study shows that employees who receive great recognition are 20 times more likely to be engaged than employees who receive poor recognition.
Attracts top talent: A company that has a culture of showing appreciation and recognition for its employees has a lasting effect through word-of-mouth and other means. This serves as a passive advertisement for your company as a great place to be because employees are valued.

How Red Tomato Can Help

Whether it’s a limited edition company gift or a memorable awards night, companies need to show appreciation for clients, partners, and employees during occasions like a company anniversary. Make them feel part of the reason for your company’s success and milestones, by creating a memorable experience that lasts long after the anniversary has passed.

From limited-edition products to eco-friendly product giveaways, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your company’s anniversary with the people who matter. Get started with creating memorable company anniversary experiences with the help of Red Tomato’s personalised gifts – browse our selection of products!