What is a new employee welcome pack?
The new employee welcome pack is typically a collection of digital and physical items that employees receive as they begin their new job. A thoughtful welcome box features everything your new employee needs to get started, along with a few extras and fun items to help them feel welcomed and set the tone for a positive experience.
A welcome pack is a great way to integrate new starters and showcase your company culture. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate to them that their new employer cares about their workforce and to simplify the transition into their new role. New employee welcome packs can help forge a genuine connection between your company and those beginning their employment journey, encouraging team spirit and employee engagement.
Key inclusions for your first-day welcome pack
A well-developed onboarding process helps new staff members feel welcomed and that the company cares about them, setting them up to enjoy their work from the first day. Many onboarding essentials can be included in the new employee welcome pack. Let’s explore pack ideas and break down some of the most popular inclusions.
Employee handbook
An employee handbook is a core reference, a comprehensive guide to company policies, benefits and procedures. The handbook typically includes terms and conditions of employment, details of key members of the team, office etiquette and information to help the new arrival get up to speed. It can also reflect your company’s values, culture and identity.
Physical and digital access tools
Access plays an important role in getting an employee’s first day off to a smooth start. For most physical workplaces, keys, access cards, an employee ID badge or digital verification, such as a fingerprint, are required for building and office access. Online, providing login credentials up front in a secure list saves new employees from repeated trips to the IT department.
Starter forms for new employees
There are many types of forms new starters might need. These could be documents covering legal requirements (e.g. proof of right to work), payroll information or details of workplace pension schemes. Providing tax forms, contracts and confidentiality agreements can help new employees get started on their administrative tasks.
Orientation documents
These could include an office map to help employees feel oriented in their new workspace or a visual organisational chart to help them understand the company’s structure and their place within the team. You can also consider providing a social media guide to encourage new employees to connect and engage online.
Office supplies
Providing key office supplies in your onboarding packs helps new starters stay organised and prepare for their role. It also ensures they can hit the ground running without wasting time searching for everything they need to start working. Receiving supplies like stationery is also appreciated by employees working remotely, as this small gesture means they won’t need to use their own resources to stock up.
Company technology
For many companies, providing tech equipment forms part of the perfect pack. This may include a laptop, chargers, headphones, a mobile phone and any other tech required for the role. Try to also make sure that any necessary software is already installed on your new starter’s devices, making it easier for them to log in and begin their new role with just a few clicks.
Welcome letter
A personalised note from the new employee’s line manager and company directors is a great way to welcome them. This can help to create a connection, demonstrating how excited your company is to start working with the new arrival. It doesn’t have to be pages long, just long enough to show that you care, that employees aren’t just a number to you.
Benefits package details
Making the benefits package clear in the welcome pack can motivate and inspire new employees from their first day. This can include reiterating details of compensation, along with information about health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off and other perks.
Gifts and branded pack ideas
Creating a branded employee welcome pack is a fun way to reinforce your company’s identity and values. When a new employee opens their welcome kit and finds thoughtful gifts and branded items, this can help them feel included and ready to be an active part of the team. It can also encourage social sharing, increasing your brand’s exposure. Keep reading to discover some examples of what you can put into a new hire welcome kit.
Basic branded items
These can include branded coffee mugs, stationery, a water bottle or a tote bag that feature the company logo, name or colours. Providing items like water bottles can serve a dual purpose, prompting employees to stay hydrated throughout the workday. Although it may cost more, including a fitness tracker in the pack is another great way to encourage healthy habits on the job.
Hoodies, T-shirts, caps and other apparel
Including personalised apparel in the pack is a great way to encourage team spirit, boost your employer brand and help new employees fit in. Branded T-shirts and caps don’t typically cost much, while hoodies or jackets are more extravagant but very useful, particularly in cold weather. If your office does casual Fridays, these items can end up becoming a workwear staple for team members.
Sweet treats, snacks and goodies
Consumables are a thoughtful inclusion in a pack and limit the potential for waste. Providing high-quality, healthy snacks, including sweet or savoury treats, can enhance the onboarding experience, helping new employees feel appreciated. These snacks can also prevent the afternoon slump experienced by many workers.
Regardless of which items you decide to include in your pack, try to ensure they align with your company’s ethos. For example, creating a pack with eco-friendly items as welcome gifts or branded merchandise can demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
It’s important to note that welcoming new employees goes beyond welcome packs and branded merchandise. Once all paperwork is complete, aim to create a seamless transition by adding your new starter to the payroll system as soon as possible and completing any regulatory requirements, such as informing HMRC about your new employee to ensure their future PAYE tax deductions are accurate.
Welcoming a new staff member to your team is a chance to impress, inspire, motivate and reinforce your employer brand. By creating a well-thought-out gift box that aligns with your brand and ensuring legal documents and onboarding information are taken care of, you help to set the tone for the employee’s working experience.
FAQs about employee welcome packs for new starters
How can I ensure my welcome pack is up to date?
Asking for feedback from new employees keeps your welcome pack engaging and relevant and helps build an effective internal communications strategy right from the start. You can create the opportunity for them to do this anonymously in order to get the most honest feedback. Remember to update any branded merchandise if your company logo changes.
What does a remote employee welcome pack include?
Packs for remote staff members don’t typically vary much from on-site ones. However, it’s even more important to ensure all necessary tech and access details are provided. A first-day agenda outlining the schedule for the first day and week can also help reduce anxiety for new employees.
Do branded gifts have any benefits outside of the office?
Yes, personalised branded gifts in welcome packs can help to promote your brand at events, on digital platforms or in your employees’ daily lives. They can spark conversations about your company, which might even lead to attracting new talent.
