Starting a new job is like being a 3-year-old on training wheels—everything is new, a bit wobbly, and let’s face it — overwhelming. One way to ease the nerves and welcome recruits is with welcome kits.
Thoughtfully picked items can set the tone for the road ahead. Recent statistics show that organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82 percent and productivity by over 70 percent.
It takes a little finessing to get it right. But, with advice and help you can curate outstanding kits and results. Ding! Ding! Set the tone right from the start.
Need to Skim? Key Takeaways:
- Thoughtful welcome kits boost morale and make new hires feel valued, leading to higher engagement and a positive first impression. Hint: Personalization matters here!
- By showing appreciation from the start, welcome kits help lower employee turnover, as valued employees are more likely to stay with the company.
- Carefully curated welcome kits provide a sneak peek into the company culture, making new hires feel connected and aligned with the organization’s values.
The Power of the Welcome Kit
A welcome kit is a thoughtfully crafted item that sets the tone for the journey of a new hire—because those plain white pages new hires get could use some color! Usually, the package contains a range of branded goods, significant information (e.g., handbooks, policies), and thoughtful extras that acquaint new hires with the principles and culture of the organization.
The goal of a welcome kit is to create a positive and enthusiastic experience for new employees right from the start. With a friendly greeting and useful tools, these packages aim to reduce the stress and uncertainty (and forehead sweat) that come with being the new kid on the cubicle block. Hallelujah! Improved staff morale and engagement lead to higher productivity and lower turnover rates.
Furthermore, welcome kits are a great help in promoting global team building. They can connect teams dispersed across the globe, fostering cohesiveness and cooperation.
Unique Employee Welcome Kit Ideas
When it comes to welcome kits for new employees, the combinations of items are endless.
You’ll want to make it relevant: whether that’s tailoring a kit to where your business is located or your industry. For example, if you’re a company that touts creativity, design or innovation, you could give a sketchbook, colored pencils, and personalized notebooks (it encourages collaboration and design thinking).
At Imprint Engine, we partner with high quality brands to design and create welcome kits your employees will love. Here, a few of our favorite ideas for crafting distinctive welcome kits that leave a lasting impression.
Glasses or Tumblers
Sure, mugs are a classic, but glasses and tumblers offer a level of versatility that mugs simply can’t compete with. They’re perfect for water, coffee, tea, smoothies—you name it!
Picture a modern, premium glass with a bamboo cover, all setup and ready for your new employee. In addition to being fashionable and eco-friendly, the lid lets individuals bring their favorite drink with them wherever they go, encouraging a healthy and hydrated work style.
But the advantages go beyond just how things look. Consider the practicality. A double-walled stainless steel tumbler keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, ensuring your new hire’s coffee stays steamy during those early morning meetings.
In addition, you may add your company logo, a team slogan, or a whimsical welcome message to the glasses or tumblers using the many available customization choices. Every time they reach for their drink, they’ll be reminded of the warm welcome they received.
Beanies
Welcome kits are popular, but they often include predictable, breakable items—exactly the kind of thing we’re trying to avoid. Instead, imagine surprising your new hires with something unexpected like a well-woven beanie—an easy-to-wear and incredibly fashionable addition.
Beyond just being fashionable, a beanie can save your employees’ lives on frigid mornings by making sure they get to work warm and prepared for the day. It can be unexpectedly cold working in a climate-controlled office, but a beanie offers a little coziness that raises spirits and increases output.
In addition, a pom-pom beanie is a billboard you wear. Your new hire is advertising your brand around the globe each time they wear it out. It’s a subdued kind of promotion that seems less like an imposed endorsement and more like a style statement.
Hoodies
Hoodies serve multiple purposes, from casual pullovers for a chilly office to cozy options for home workers.
Zip-up hoodies are also perfect for team-building exercises, casual Fridays, or long workdays when comfort is essential. Workers can easily accessorize their hoodies with jeans for a more casual look or dress more formally for a current, business-casual attitude. When gifting, don’t you want to be known as the relaxed boss?
There are many ways to warmly welcome new hires, especially with access to quality, first-draft picks that ensure comfort and style for any setting.
Stickers
How can you stick it to ’em? Decorative stickers are a memorable and cost-effective way to infuse personality and creativity into the onboarding experience.
Stickers can be used in various creative ways. Employees can use them to decorate their laptops, notebooks, or even their desks. This simple act can make a sterile office space feel more welcoming and uniquely theirs.
Consider the various types of stickers you can include in your welcome kit. High-quality vinyl stickers with your company’s logo are a great starting point. They are durable, waterproof, and can withstand daily wear and tear.
You can also get creative with the designs—think motivational quotes, company mascots, or fun illustrations that reflect your company’s culture. For example, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Michael Scott (quoting Wayne Gretzky).
Notebooks
Notebooks are a timeless and useful addition to the welcome kit for new employees. They can be used for taking meeting notes, brainstorming sessions, personal reflections, and even sketching out innovative ideas.
For new employees, having a dedicated notebook made from sustainable materials can help them keep track of their onboarding process and document important information they can refer back to as they settle into their roles.
Think about sourcing notebooks with a soft-touch cover in your brand colors or customizing the cover with the initials of your new employee. You could even include a branded pen, ensuring they have everything they need to hit the ground running (and writing!).
Bags and Backpacks
Including bags or backpacks combines practicality with brand promotion. They provide a convenient way for employees to breezily carry their laptops, notebooks, and other work essentials.
If you are considering using bags or something like this tote that can convert into a backpack, then you should select those made with high-quality materials. The fabric should be durable and water-resistant to ensure the bag’s longevity (you want your products to be like new employees — in it for the long haul).
One of the best things about including a bag or backpack in your welcome kit is that it serves a dual purpose as both a gift and a packaging solution. Instead of using disposable packaging, you can pack all the welcome kit goods inside a bag or backpack. It reduces waste and provides a cohesive and quite impressive presentation.
Why Use Welcome Kits?
Welcome kits for new employees offer numerous benefitsfor both them and your company. Remember: Their success is your success. Here are some key advantages:
- Increased Employee Engagement: The tone of your welcome kit sets the stage for a positive experience—will it be uplifting or impersonal? Thoughtfully selected items that resonate with your team and reflect your brand demonstrates the care and attention employees can expect in the future (these relationships are like fragile eggs, you know!). This gesture directly boosts morale, reduces the loneliness of being the ‘new person,’ and makes employees feel valued from day one, all of which contribute to higher engagement.
- Lower Turnover: Thoughtful welcome kits show that your company cherishes its staff. When employees feel appreciated from the start, they are more likely to see a future with your company. As the saying goes, ‘People remember how you make them feel.’
Branding is complex, encompassing everything from color and items to presentation. It all sets a tone. What message are you trying to convey? It’s an experience—psychology in action.
That’s why we love what we do at Imprint Engine, where our philosophy is to create thoughtful experiences that support both the growth of companies and the relationships within them.
Pro Tips for Creating a Memorable Welcome Kit
So, you’re sold on the power of welcome kits? Fantastic! Now let’s take your kit from good to great with these expert tips:
- Personalization is King: A generic kit is nice, but a personalized one is truly unforgettable. Include a welcome note with the new hire’s name, a team photo, or a small welcome gift related to their interests. It shows you put in the effort and makes them feel truly valued.
- Remote-Friendly Options: In today’s work environment, remote employees are the norm. Don’t leave them out! Curate a digital welcome kit with e-gift cards or even subscriptions to productivity apps.
- Sustainability Matters: Eco-conscious employees appreciate a company that walks the walk. Opt for reusable items, look for packaging made from recycled materials, or even skip a box altogether and use a branded tote bag.
- Culture Corner: Your welcome kit is a golden opportunity to showcase your company culture. incorporating elements that give new hires a sneak peek into the team spirit and what it’s like to work at your company.
Elevate Your Onboarding with Imprint Engine
Welcome kits for new employees are a strategic tool to boost engagement, reduce turnover, and build brand loyalty. They create a positive first impression and subtly showcase your company culture.
But how do you make them stand out? Imprint Engine can help! With our expertise in personalization, remote-friendly options, and sustainable choices, we’ll craft a kit that perfectly reflects your brand and makes your new hires feel valued from day one.
Ready to create a lasting impression? Contact Imprint Engine today!