How to Craft a New Employee Welcome Kit with 21 Kit Ideas

Stepping into a new workplace can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. But there is an element of joy as well with new learnings and fresh setting. And that excitement multiplies when employees get their employee welcome kit.

The welcome kit is not just a box of goodies but an extension of the company's genuine interest in enthusiastically welcoming new employees. As a welcoming ritual, this ensures that employees get a gist of the company culture while making them a part of the team.

So, are you ready to give your new employees a memorable onboarding experience? With the blog's assistance, let us explore a sea of ideas and craft perfect welcome kits.

What is an Employee Welcome Kit?

An employee welcome kit is a collection of branded items and resources gifted to new employees on their joining day at a company. As part of the onboarding process, the welcome kit is significant in welcoming them, providing essential resources, and facilitating a smooth integration into the company culture.These joining kits vary across companies and can be customized per the company's requirements and budget.

Consider your welcome kit a reflection of your company's values or an initial gesture of gratitude towards the joinee for joining their team.

What Should be Included in an Employee Welcome Pack?

Irrespective of the variation in joining kits across companies, there are some common items companies include in their kits. They are as follows:

Office Essentials

The essentials include items the new employees require to perform their work effectively within the office environment. These are stationery supplies like notebooks, sticky notes, pens, water bottles, beverage mugs, and a tiny plant to brighten the workspace.

Company Swag

This category comprises branded items showcasing the company's logo and identity. Some examples are T-shirts, bags, keychains, or stickers. Company swag has a way of fostering a sense of belonging and pride among employees. It also serves as free advertising when employees use items beyond the workspace.

Informational Materials

New employees must familiarize themselves with the company's culture, policies, and procedures from the onset. Simplifying the understanding process can be done by offering the following items:

• An employee handbook detailing company policies and expectations
• Organizational chart to gather a proper grasp on reporting structures
• FAQs addressing common questions
• Relevant documents to guide navigating the workplace.

Tech Goodies

With the growing dependence on technology in the workplace, it is essential to provide new employees with the necessary tools. Depending on the employees’ role and requirements, you must provide a laptop or desktop, other essential devices or gadgets, and necessary software licenses that allow them to perform their work effectively without any hassle.

Fun Items

Welcome kits need not always be formal; you can also include items that can bring a smile to their faces. Consider offering items like stress balls, puzzles, or novelty items related to the company's industry or culture. These items help lighten the mood of the employees by making it an enjoyable experience.

Additional points to consider:

Personalization

Personalization helps you create an engaging and memorable employee welcome pack. A personalized welcome letter or card from the CEO or hiring manager gives a boost to new employees. If the new hire mentioned any specific hobby or interest in the interview, you could consider including a related item with a thoughtful touch. Also, customizing a swag item with the new joiner’s name imprinted on it is a favorable option.

Remote Workers

For employees working remotely or in a remote setup, you must consider adapting the welcome kit to meet their needs. You can consider sending physical items directly to their home address, providing digital copies of informational materials, and offering virtual onboarding sessions that keep them connected despite their physical absence.

21 Employee Welcome Kit Ideas

You can redefine the welcome experience for new hires with a memorable start. To achieve that, let us discover a range of employee welcome kit ideas and give your employees a deserving welcome.

1. Office Supplies

Office supplies are perhaps the most basic but integral part of any employee welcome kit. Providing the new hires with the items in the welcome kit will save them the effort of searching for them.

Office supplies encompass anything employees may require in their day-to-day work routine. These items are termed "necessities," and the lack of these can hugely impact the ease of doing a job. Here is a brief list of office supplies that will make a new employee's life a lot easier:

• Notebooks/Notepads
• Pens, Markers, Highlighters
• Post Its
• Office Storage Box
• Folders and business cards
• Staplers and scissors
• Desk cleaning supplies

2. Employee Handbook

A new employee requires full awareness of an organization's crucial rules and regulations. While HRs verbally communicate them, a mere verbal explanation does not assure that employees will remember the information for an extended period. Hence, an employee handbook becomes the need of the hour.

An employee handbook can be fruitfully utilized to provide employees with clear instructions on the organization's dos, don'ts, and policies. Including the employee handbook in the new hires' welcome kit ensures that they have a physical copy of the company's missions and expectations that they can refer to.

3. Company Swag

Company SWAG (Stuff We All Get) is an excellent addition to any employee welcome package. The term describes company-branded products that every employee looks forward to getting.

Anything from water bottles, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and hoodies to notebooks can be transformed into a company SWAG.

A suitable way to add a personal touch to the generic company SWAG items is to inscribe them with individual employees' names.

4. Personalized Note

A personalized note from the CEO and other executives instills pride and belonging in a new employee. The note should evoke a warm and welcoming tone tailored to the individual. Also, include a brief paragraph expressing excitement about them joining the team and extending your support as they begin their journey with the company.

Recommended Resource: Welcome Messages for New Employees

5. Tech Necessities

It is no surprise that technology has become part and parcel of our existence. With every work culture swiftly transitioning to technological dependence, you should ensure that you provide all the tech necessities to them. It includes a desktop, laptop, keyboard, mouse, or gadget and required subscriptions.

Ensure that your new hires have the proper access to the applications, equipment, and guidance to do their job without hassle. Remember to set up any required permissions or programs on their workstation beforehand.

6. Information on Employee Benefits

You must shed light on the benefits and perks to employees that they are in store for. Include a detailed list of various benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and any other offerings by the company.

Providing clear and comprehensive information about these benefits from the beginning helps new employees feel valued and supported. Having said that, this enables them to make sound decisions about their overall well-being and work-life balance in the long run.

Recommended Resource: Top Employee Benefits

7. Photo Book of Company Highlights

You can also opt to Compile a photo book showcasing achievements, memorable moments, and company team events. The visual representation of the company's culture and history will give new hires some insights into the organization, its growth, and what makes it special.

8. Gift Cards

Gift cards make an excellent addition to the welcome kit for new employees. Since you have little to no idea of what they like, gift cards are proven to be efficient, allowing them to choose the gift they desire.

Moreover, gift cards enable employees to enjoy the shopping experience, thereby enhancing their happiness level. These come with numerous advantages, including simplicity, affordability, and ease of distribution.

9. Snack Box

A snack box is an excellent refreshment to satisfy hunger pangs evoked during work hours. It also helps employees concentrate more.

However, if you want to incorporate healthy living as your company culture's core value, investing in healthy, high-quality snacks is a suitable option. Offering healthy snacks will ensure your employees receive the benefits of snacking without compromising their well-being.

Recommended Resource: Healthy Snacks For Work

10. Headphones

A good pair of headphones should be a priority in any work setting. You wouldn't want your employees to be interrupted during a creative outburst by the hustle-bustle of every day.

Hence, gifting a pair of noise-canceling headphones in the welcome kits is the best way to keep your employees engaged.

11. Desk Plants

Desk plants are a great welcoming gift to make new hires feel at home. Plants impart a positive vibe by adding a touch of greenery and aesthetic appeal to the workspace. In addition, desk plants come with benefits like improved air quality, stress reduction, and increased productivity. This showcases your commitment to creating a pleasant and peaceful environment for employees.

Recommended Resource: Office Decor Ideas

12. Stress Balls

Irrespective of how calm and composed a workplace may be, stressful situations can erupt at any given point. Hence, stress balls can be a helpful solution to ease immediate tension and situations. This will give new hires the impression that your organization is aware and concerned about the work stress that employees generally fall prey to.

13. Fitness Bands

The health and well-being of an employee should be promoted from the first day itself. Given that most office jobs are sedentary, employees are at a higher risk of developing various health problems. An unfit employee is unfocused, unproductive, and disengaged. Hence, you must consider including a fitness idea in your welcome kit for new employees.

Fitness bands are a good choice as an all-in-one tool for encouraging people to move. Additionally, they are cool to look at and easy to carry. These bands lend a competitive edge to fitness, inspiring employees to compete with their peers on healthy initiatives, such as step challenges.

Recommended Resource: Gamification For Employee Fitness

14. Photo Frames

Photo frames add a personal touch to the new employees' desks, giving them a feeling of comfort and belonging. Everyone loves decorating their desks rather than leaving them bare. Hence, these frames can be of great use.

In addition, photo frames are a great addition to the employee onboarding kits. They help employees get settled on the first day by surrounding themselves with pictures of their loved ones.

15. Tote Bags

Tote bags serve as excellent additions to welcome kits, particularly for those new hires whom you are onboarding from younger generations. Since millennials and Gen Zs currently dominate the work scenario, these bags will be likable to their preferences. Apart from being stylish, tote bags are also eco-friendly, thereby making them a favorable choice for the current and emerging workforce.

Related Articles: Ideas On How To Create A Green Office?

16. Fun Coasters

Adding coasters to welcome kits might seem like a small gesture, but it will help prevent pesky stains on desks (from the multiple cups of coffee or tea) and keep the work area clean.

17. Customized Keychains

Customized key chains can be a suitable choice to enhance the personal appeal of your welcome kits and showcase your genuine consideration to make new employees feel at home.

Customizing keychains with the company logo or employees' names will help you create a memorable keepsake for them from day one.

18. Motivational Posters

Regardless of how fun your work culture is, there will inevitably be days when your employees feel worn out or have a bad day.

To prepare for those days, you can give your new hires miniature motivational sayings that they can stick to their cubicle walls.

These motivational posters will act as a motivational boost for them in times of need, and you will feel glad that you have decided to include them in the employee welcome kits.

19. Desk Calendars

Miniature desk calendars are a lovely and functional addition to any workspace. Although miniature, these calendars can help employees complete major tasks and properly plan things by marking important dates. Additionally, it will light up their space.

20. Figurines

Want to make your new employees feel at ease in their new environment? Include a figurine of their favorite character or comic book hero in their employee welcome kits. They will undoubtedly appreciate your kindness.

21. Box of Chocolates

When headed to a good start, there’s no denying the appeal of sweets. So, when it comes to employees beginning a new journey at a workspace, what is better than a box of chocolates?

The sweetness and indulgence of premium chocolates make the start more welcoming and enjoyable.

Why are Welcome Packets Important for Onboarding?

Creating a successful onboarding experience is a crucial element for an organization. And welcome kits can help you shape a positive onboarding experience for the new joinees. The following section will highlight the importance of welcome kits.

Positive First Impression

Onboarding plays a crucial role in shaping a positive perception of the company. There's no denying the adage "first impression is the last impression". The phrase particularly befits the scenario when employees join the organization. You can create the best impression for the employees by welcoming them with an onboarding kit. It helps shape the employees' positive perception of the company.

A well-curated welcome package demonstrates that the organization has been fully invested in the growth and happiness of new employees from the beginning. This first positive impression sets the stage for the employee's tenure in the company.

Smooth Onboarding Process

Onboarding can be a little overwhelming for the new joinees, with the task of absorbing a lot of information and adjusting to a new environment. Welcome kits can systematize the process by providing essential information and resources upfront.

This proactive approach eases employees and makes them feel confident and prepared. As a result, it reduces anxiety and helps them smoothly transition into their respective roles.

Boosts Team Spirit

Welcome packages covering brand merchandise and personalized items tend to make employees feel a sense of belonging and pride among employees. This, in turn, fosters increased team spirit and a willingness to contribute towards common goals. This boost in team spirit takes collaboration and camaraderie among colleagues to a higher level.

Increases Engagement

A welcoming gesture with a joining kit sets the stage for engagement in the organization. As new employees become interested and invested, they strive to maintain productivity, commitment, and loyalty. Feeling valued and supported from the beginning encourages them to go above and beyond for the company's interests.

Introduces Company Culture

Company culture plays a significant role in satisfying and retaining employees. These joining kits include informational materials introducing employees to the company's values, mission, and unique culture. Familiarizing employees with the culture from the initial stage will keep them connected to the organization, help them align with the expectations, and instill a sense of belonging in them.

Examples of Welcome Packages

Vantage Swag

Vantage Swag stands out for its seamless onboarding process through its joining kits. It excels in carefully curated catalogs and branded company swag. Keeping affordability at the center allows for worldwide shipping, eliminating any barriers. Catering to the tailored needs of companies, Vantage Swag takes pride in leaving lasting impressions on new hires.

Swag.com

To enhance brand recognition and engagement levels, Swag.com excels in creating customized promotional merchandise and high-quality swag. Its online platform has simplified the customization and ordering process, catering to businesses of all sizes. Specializing in a range of products from tech gadgets to apparel, it curates premium wellness kits tailored to delight the new employees.

Stadium

Stadium takes pride in welcoming new employees in style. The company comes with categories like Swag store, Swag catalog, Swag storage, and many other distinct features that help it stand out from the pack. Designing welcome kits by prioritizing quality and personalization helps reinforce the company’s brand among the new joinees from day one itself.

Final Words

After reading the blog, you probably realized how companies play a pivotal role in making new employees feel valued from the onset. Joining kits as a welcoming gesture ignites a sense of excitement among new joinees.

Understanding its importance and taking action from the initial journey will help you achieve your desired goal. Take the ideas and start crafting the best onboarding experience for your new hires.

FAQs

Can the employee welcome kit be virtual?

Yes, the employee welcome kit can be adapted for virtual onboarding. This may include sending digital gift cards, e-books, or subscription services, as well as organizing virtual team building activities or welcome video messages.

How can I make the employee welcome kit eco-friendly?

To make the employee welcome kit more environmentally friendly, consider selecting sustainable or reusable items, using minimal packaging, and opting for digital or paperless options where possible. You can also include information or resources on eco-friendly practices within the company.

This article was co-authored by Riha Jaishi and Barasha Medhi, who work as digital marketers at Vantage Circle. For any queries reach out to editor@vantagecircle.com.