The Ultimate Guide to Employee Welcome Packs
We've got your back, HR Heroes! The employee welcome pack is one of the most crucial entry points for new employees into the company's identity. In this ultimate guide, we’re spilling all the tea on why employee welcome packs are a game-changer, drop some epic tips on how to plan employee packs and share killer ideas for what to include. Plus, we’ll show you how Boxaroo can make your life easier with custom and globally distributed employee merch. What are you waiting for? Let’s get this party started!
Why Employee Welcome Packs Matter
Setting The Vibe from Day One
Picture this: It’s your first day at a new job. You're a bit anxious but also excited—it’s a new chapter, after all. You walk into the office (or log into your remote workstation) and are greeted with a sleek, personalised welcome pack. It’s filled with cool merch and useful tools that make you feel instantly valued. That’s the magic of a well-crafted employee welcome pack. It sets the tone from day one, making employees feel appreciated and motivated, right off the bat.
The Impact on Employee Retention and Satisfaction
Employee welcome packs aren’t just about the swag; they play a significant role in employee retention and satisfaction. In a study for Glassdoor by the Brandon Hall Group, a solid onboarding process improves new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Not only that, with the help of a bomb-ass employee welcome kit, your onboarding process will not only get the freshies onboard, but help them stay onboard too. Here are the receipts to prove that.
A survey by Vlerick-Talmundo revealed some major perks for employees who go through solid onboarding programs. A whopping 78% of respondents said these programs gave them a positive view of their employers and created an awesome candidate experience. Plus, 73% felt more engaged with their jobs thanks to effective onboarding.
That's not all, an early great experience in the first 90 days will make or break the longevity of the new hire at the company. According to an onboarding study by Work Institute, employees are ten times more likely to stay with a company for a long period, compared with those who had poor experiences during their first 90 days.
All in all, a thoughtfully curated welcome pack can complement and elevate the onboarding experience, making new hires feel connected to the company and its culture. This sense of belonging can lead to improved job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover rates.
Employee Swag for Days: Creating a Memorable First Impression
Let’s be real: everyone loves swag. But it's not just about handing out branded pens, water bottles, and t-shirts. The goal for employee welcome kits is to create a memorable first impression that resonates with your new hires. High-quality, thoughtfully selected items can make your new employees feel like they're part of something special. When done right, employee swag can boost morale, encourage team spirit, and even turn your employees into brand ambassadors.
4 Easy Steps to Plan Employee Welcome Packs Ideas
1. Figuring Out What The Freshies Need
Sure, you can still give them employee handbooks that share your company mission. company history and company policies. It can even espouse the virtues of your company culture and company values. But is it what they need?
The first step in planning an effective welcome pack is understanding what are the essential items your new employees need in your onboarding packs. Consider conducting surveys or gathering feedback from current employees about what they found helpful during their onboarding process. Think about the essentials for their roles, the company culture, and what would make them feel appreciated. It could range from practical office supplies to items that reflect your company’s values and personality.
2. Budget Like a Boss
You don't need to break the bank! It’s all about smart budgeting. Determine your budget per new hire and prioritise items that offer the most value. High-quality, useful items are a better investment than cheap, throwaway trinkets for your employee onboarding kits. (Have you looked at Shein?) Consider the long-term impact of your choices. A well-chosen item in your employee welcome packages can keep your brand top of mind and continually reinforce positive impressions.
3. Designing and Branding the Packs
Your employee welcome pack is a reflection of your brand to all your employees. Make sure all the company's merch is designed with your company’s branding and culture in mind. Use your brand colours, logos, and messaging to create a cohesive look. Your company can even use Canva!
But at the end of the day, the design of your employee welcome packages should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Think about the unboxing experience. Just like with customer packaging, a well-thought-out design can create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
4. Sourcing the Good Stuff
Once you’ve nailed down your budget and design, it’s time to source the goodies. Look for high-quality suppliers who offer customisation options. Items should be both practical and fun. Imagine: high-quality business cards for fresh employees, with a smooth, matte finish that they can hand out to clients and contacts.
From tech gadgets to eco-friendly swag, choose items that reflect your company’s values and meet your new employees’ needs. Don’t forget to include a personal touch, like a handwritten welcome note from the team lead or the CEO (if you can even get your CEO to sit down and write it).
Top Employee Merch for an Effective Employee Welcome Pack
On the hunt for your employee welcome kit ideas? Forget ChatGPT! We've got some pretty fantastic suggestions for your employee welcome packets to help you hit your department goals and employee engagement KPIs.
Office Essentials For The Remote Era
Your remote employees need some good T-L-C too! Consider including items that make remote work more comfortable and efficient. Instead of a reusable water bottle, which is such a cliche, why not include coffee mugs in your employee welcome packages? Remote work essentials like ergonomic mouse pads, high-quality headphones, and branded notebooks can all help create a productive home office setup. These items show that you care about your employees' work environment, no matter where they are.
You can even consider laptop sleeves and laptop stickers for remote workers as well. That way, no matter where your employees are, they can feel like they're still a part of their department and the company. (But you also don't need to tell them it's good advertising).
Tech Gadgets That Slap
Tech merch is always a hit. Consider including items like portable chargers, USB drives, or Bluetooth speakers. These are not only useful but also convey that your company is forward-thinking and tech-savvy. Gadgets that make work life easier are especially appreciated, such as wireless mice, standing desk converters, or even smart mugs that keep coffee at the perfect temperature.
Branded Swag to Build Company Loyalty
Sure, your company's communications department will be grateful. But it isn't just marketing for marketing's sake. High-quality swag isn’t just for job fairs or company events; it’s a powerful tool for building company loyalty during the employee onboarding process. Items like branded apparel, tote bags, and water bottles can make employees feel they belong to the team. When they wear or use these items, they’re representing your brand, both inside and outside of work, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
Customising Employee Welcome Packs
Who doesn't love customised gifts? For your new employees, the employee IDs shouldn't be the only thing that you customise. So here are some ways to add a touch of customisation to your employee welcome kit ideas.
Incorporating Department and Position Info
You don't need to stuff your new employee kit with branded gifts; you can offer much more helpful information about the department and the position. As much as the interview process goes over all the deets, it can be really helpful when your employee welcome packs include this information. This can help employees get a better sense of their bearings when they start working at the company.
You include more than just general employee administrative processes and department contacts for employees. Perhaps you can also include links to helpful company resources, or even resources from external providers that could help them do better work and exceed employee potential.
Fun and Useful Merchandise for Everyday Use
Balance practicality with fun. Sure, stationery like planners, pens, and USB hubs are always appreciated. But don’t forget to add some fun elements too. Think about branded puzzles, stress balls, or even quirky desk toys. You can even think about classic board games like Chess, Sudoku, and Jenga. Why not consider playing cards too? These items can add a touch of personality and make the workday more enjoyable.
Don't Forget the Personal Touch
Personalisation can make a big difference. Monogrammed notebooks, personalised stationery, or custom messages goes a long way to make new employees feel special and valued. This attention to detail shows that you’ve put thought into their welcome experience, which builds a strong connection between the freshies and the company right from the get-go.
Employee Welcome Pack Automation with Boxaroo
Creating the perfect welcome pack can be a daunting task, but that’s where Boxaroo comes in. We have finessed the ins and outs of employee merch automation, so you can sit back and relax.
From Idea to Unboxing: End-to-End Services
We offer end-to-end services that take the hassle out of the process. From brainstorming ideas to designing the packs and sourcing high-quality items, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to make your new hires feel valued and excited from the moment they receive their welcome pack.
From Barcelona to Singapore: International Warehousing and Delivery
With warehouses in Barcelona and Singapore, we ensure that your welcome packs are delivered promptly and efficiently, no matter where your new employees are located. Our global logistics network means we can handle large volumes and deliver to multiple locations without any hiccups. You can rest easy knowing that your welcome packs will arrive on time and in perfect condition.
From Global to Personal: Customisation That Matches Any Vibe
At Boxaroo, we understand that each company is unique. That’s why we offer customisation options that allow you to create welcome packs that match your company’s vibe. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly options, tech gadgets, or fun swag, we tailor our offerings to meet your needs. Our customisation services ensure that each welcome pack is a true reflection of your brand and culture. What are you waiting for? Let’s create your employee welcome pack now.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective employee welcome pack is about more than just handing out company merch. It’s about creating a memorable first impression, fostering a sense of belonging, and communicating your company’s values. By planning thoughtfully, budgeting wisely, and choosing the right items, you can make a lasting impact on your new hires. And with Boxaroo’s comprehensive solutions, you can streamline the process and ensure that your onboarding kits are a hit, every time.
