Benefits of creating a welcome kit
A new employee welcome kit is more than just a thoughtful gift for the newest team member. It can offer some added benefits for your organization, including:
- Sharing critical information: Including an informational packet gives your newest employee all the things they need to get started.
- Supporting performance: Having the key information and items they need to do their job can help new employees jump into their work faster.
- Creating a positive first impression: The employee sees that you care about your workers from the beginning, so it can give them a good first impression.
- Representing your company: You can share a bit of your company culture based on the items you include.
- Helping them feel like a team member: When you give new employees company swag, they can start to feel like a part of the team from the beginning.
What to include in an onboarding kit
Your budget and goals for the welcome kit affect what you should include. Here are some ideas for different needs and realities.
1. Informational packet
Compile all the necessary information a new employee needs, print it and put it in a high-quality folder to slip into the welcome kit. Your new hire packet might include:
- Welcome letter
- Benefits information and other HR forms
- Company directory or contact information for important people
- Schedule information
- Agendas for the first several days or weeks of work
- Employee handbook
2. Company swag
Set your new employees up for casual Friday with a sweatshirt or T-shirt displaying the company logo. This can help the employee feel like they belong there. You can also include other gear with the company logo to help encourage a sense of belonging. Choose high-quality products that people actually want to use. For example, invest in nicer shirts instead of printing your logo on the cheapest T-shirts available.
3. Your products
If your company makes physical products, you might include one or more of them in the welcome kit. This gives the employee a chance to use the product for themselves, which can increase engagement and help them do their job better. Giving away free products is most feasible if you sell low- or modestly-priced items.
4. Extra tech gear
Most companies issue only the necessities when it comes to tech. New employees likely get a computer and all the essential components, but additional accessories can make life at the office a little easier. Some ideas include:
- Upgraded mouse
- Mouse pad
- Blue light glasses
- Headphones
- Charging stations
- Cases for company-issued phones or tablets
- Car chargers for employees who travel
5. Starter office supplies
Include basic office supplies in the welcome kit, so your new employees can have what they need right away without searching for the supply closet or asking for basic office items. You might buy some special higher-quality options for the welcome kit or simply grab from your current supply. Include things like pens, pencils, sticky notes, paper clips, rubber bands, highlighters, a tape dispenser and a stapler. Think about role-specific office supplies the new employee might need as well. If you want to personalize it, add a customized notebook or planner with the employee’s name on it.
6. Job-related books or resources
Show your new staff members that you support them by gifting them books or resources related to their job. Industry-related resources can often be expensive for employees, especially if they’re new to the working world. These books can become valuable resources that help the employee improve their skills.
7. Stress relievers
Add a playful touch with stress relievers in the welcome kit. This gift idea acknowledges how stressful it can be to start a new job. Stress balls are easy items to include. Fidget toys and putty can also work well for some people.
8. Snacks
The first few days of a new job can be long and draining. Include a few snacks or special treats to help fuel your newest team member through the day. If a local candy shop or similar store sells local snacks, include those for a hometown touch. Snacks that hold up well, such as granola bars, nuts, crackers and dried fruit, can also be a good choice. Consider potential allergies when choosing snacks.
9. Fitness items
Including fitness items can help encourage work-life balance for employees. It can also help support a culture of health and wellness. Examples include a yoga mat, gym membership card, water bottle or fitness tracker device.
10. Gift card
A small gift card lets the new employee choose something they want. You can do a general Visa or Mastercard gift card that they can spend anywhere or select a specific location. A gift card to a local restaurant lets the employee celebrate with their family or enjoy a stress-free meal when they’re feeling overwhelmed at a new job. Support other local businesses by giving new employees gift cards to their establishments. If you want to encourage relaxation, consider a spa or massage gift card.
11. Plant or desk decor
Plants can add a welcome, natural feel to the office. Giving your new employee a plant might help them relax a little from day one. However, not everyone loves plants or the responsibility they require, and some offices don’t get enough natural light for plants to thrive. You can offer up a faux plant or choose a different decor item. Some ideas for desk decor include a felt board that employees can create messages on, a photo frame or a desk lamp to brighten the workspace.
12. Creative container
Make the container for the welcome kit a gift itself. You might put everything in a reusable tote bag, briefcase or laptop bag. If storage is limited, put it in a crate, basket or similar container that the employee can use in their office.
Tips for creating welcome kits
Here are some tips for making a welcome new employee gift kit more effective:
- Reinforce your culture: Use the items in the kit to emphasize your culture. For example, if you focus on sustainability, choose items made sustainably by companies that also prioritize sustainability.
- Have welcome kits ready: Keep the core items for your onboarding " data-mce-lingo="en_us">onboarding kit available at all times so you can whip up a kit quickly.
- Ship early to remote employees: If your team is remote, ship the welcome kit early to ensure it arrives before the employee’s first day. For an employee who’ll work in the office, you can send or hand-deliver the kit before the first day or place it on their desk before they arrive.
- Customize the gifts: If you get to know the new employee well in the interview, you might choose something based on their interests to show you listened.
- Give similar gifts: If you put different things in each new employee’s kit, choose items with a similar perceived value to avoid employees thinking you favored others over them.
