First impressions matter. Whether it’s a handshake during an interview or the first day on the job, how you welcome an employee sets the tone for their entire experience with your company. Establishing a positive connection early on doesn’t just make new hires feel at ease but also supports their engagement, productivity, and long-term success at work.
One of the best ways to make this impression is through a new employee welcome kit. These thoughtfully curated packages provide tools, resources, and personalized touches that help new employees feel prepared and welcomed. Done right, these kits can also reinforce your company culture, leaving an enduring impact.
This guide covers the 10 essential items every employee welcome kit should include. By the end, you’ll understand how to create a new hire welcome package that not only checks items off your onboarding checklist but also helps build meaningful connections with your workforce.
1. Personalized Welcome Letter
The power of a simple handwritten note or a thoughtfully crafted letter cannot be understated. Whether it’s typed out or handwritten, a welcome letter from a company leader or their direct manager is a personalized touch that sets the right tone.
Why It Matters
- Acknowledging their role immediately makes new employees feel seen and valued.
- A welcome letter can introduce the company’s values and goals while reinforcing the importance of the new hire’s contribution to the team.
How to Do It
Include a message that’s:
- Encouraging (“We’re excited to have you on this team.”)
- Specific to their role (“Your skills in X will help us achieve Y.”)
- Signed by a leader or someone in a position of influence.
2. Company Handbook and Policies
Getting new hires acquainted with company expectations is crucial early on. A comprehensive employee welcome packet should include a handbook with clearly outlined policies, culture guidelines, and workflows.
Why It Matters
- It ensures clarity from day one, helping employees align with organizational goals and policies.
- It facilitates accountability and reduces any misunderstandings on expectations.
Pro Tip
Include both physical and digital versions. Pair the handbook with a quick reference guide summarizing must-know info, such as dress code, PTO policies, and whom to contact for various needs.
3. Branded Company Swag
Who doesn’t love fun branded gear? Adding branded company swag such as T-shirts, mugs, water bottles, or tech accessories is a great morale booster.
Why It Matters
- Swag instills pride and a sense of belonging among employees by making them part of the company’s identity.
- It’s also a great way to showcase your company when employees use these items in public or at home.
Ideas for Swag
- Clothing items like hats, hoodies, or polos
- Office items like notebooks or pens
- Fun extras such as stickers or tote bags
4. Essential Office Supplies
Feeling prepared on your first day can make a world of difference. Equip new hires with basic office supplies to help them hit the ground running.
Why It Matters
- Providing these resources eliminates the need for new employees to scramble for simple tools.
- It reinforces how much you value their productivity and preparedness.
Include Items Such As
5. Technology and Equipment
A modern onboarding checklist isn’t complete without technology essentials. Whether your team works remotely, in-office, or in a hybrid setup, providing the right tools is key.
Why It Matters
- Technology ensures they can perform their tasks fully from day one.
- Providing adequate tools also minimizes downtime.
What to Include
- Laptops, tablets, or phones (fully configured and preloaded with necessary software)
- Accessories such as USB drives, chargers, headphones, or ergonomic mouse pads
- Instructions for setting up work accounts and accessing shared platforms
6. Organizational Chart and Team Introductions
Walking into a new role often means navigating unfamiliar faces and teams. Help your new hires hit the ground running by introducing them to the organizational structure.
Why It Matters
- It makes employees feel more connected and comfortable working with their colleagues.
- It facilitates collaboration by clarifying roles and reporting lines.
What to Include
- A printed or digital org chart
- A “Meet the Team” booklet that includes names, roles, photos, and some fun facts about team members
7. Training Schedule and Resources
Starting a new role often comes with a steep learning curve, which is why a detailed training plan is key to success.
Why It Matters
- A clear training schedule provides structure and reduces overwhelm.
- It demonstrates a commitment to the new hire’s growth and development.
Suggested Items
- A timeline of onboarding sessions or meetings
- Videos, manuals, or quizzes for self-paced learning
- Information about mentors, coordinators, or training buddies
8. Health and Wellness Information
Nothing speaks louder about a company’s values than its focus on employee wellness. Include comprehensive details about health and support resources in your new employee welcome package.
Why It Matters
- Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay engaged.
- Communicating well-being initiatives reinforces your care beyond the workplace.
What to Share
- Details on health benefits and wellness programs
- Access to mental health support resources
- Discounts on gym memberships, wellness apps, or nutrition programs
9. Local Area Guide
For employees relocating to a new city, include a guide to help them acclimate to their surroundings. Even for locals, this can serve as a thoughtful gesture.
Why It Matters
- It makes new hires feel welcomed and immersed from day one.
- Knowing the area saves the added stress of discovering nearby services on their own.
What to Include
- Recommended restaurants or coffee shops nearby
- Transportation options (parking, public transit schedules, bike shares)
- Local attractions or activities
10. Feedback Form
Encourage new hires to share their thoughts on the onboarding experience with a feedback form. This openness signals that you value their input.
Why It Matters
- Feedback contributes to continuously improving onboarding processes.
- It ensures new hires feel that their opinions matter.
Pro Tip
Offer both anonymous and named options to allow honesty. Follow up on key feedback to show you’re acting on their input.
Conclusion
Creating a thoughtful new employee welcome kit goes far beyond providing basic supplies. These kits reinforce your company’s culture, reduce a new hire’s first-day jitters, and lay the foundation for strong, long-term retention. Whether it’s personalized letters, ergonomic tools, or helpful guides, each item you choose can create a meaningful connection with new employees.
Are you ready to elevate your onboarding game?
Contact Great River Office Products today to explore customizable solutions for your employee welcome kit needs. Together, we can help you make every hire’s first day extraordinary.