Build your own Welcome Kit for your team!

Bringing on new team members is an exciting time for any company. It’s a chance to welcome fresh perspectives, skills, and personalities into your organization. However, the onboarding process can also be a nerve-wracking experience for new hires. Starting a new job comes with a lot of uncertainty – learning new systems, getting to know coworkers, and understanding their role and responsibilities.

That’s why it’s so important to have a thoughtful onboarding process in place. One of the best ways to make new hires feel welcomed and set them up for success is by creating a custom welcome kit. A well-designed welcome kit can go a long way in helping new team members feel comfortable, prepared, and excited to join your company.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to build your own welcome kit that will wow your new hires and kickstart their employee experience on the right foot.

What is a Welcome Kit?

A welcome kit is a curated collection of items, information, and resources that a new hire receives when they join your company. The goal of the welcome kit is to make a great first impression, provide the new employee with the essentials they need, and help them feel part of the team from day one.

The contents of a welcome kit can vary depending on your company’s needs and culture, but the most common items include:

A welcome letter from leadership
Company swag (like t-shirts, mugs, pens, etc.)
Overview of the company history, mission, and values
Information about company policies, benefits, and procedures
Directory of key contacts and team members
Guides to using company tools and software
Small gifts or treats

While the contents are important, the overall presentation and experience of unpacking the welcome kit is equally crucial. Putting thought and care into the design, packaging, and delivery of the kit shows new hires that your company values them and is invested in their success.

Why Have a Welcome Kit?

There are several key benefits to providing new hires with a thoughtful welcome kit:

Firstly,It makes a great first impression:The welcome kit is often one of the first touchpoints a new employee has with your company. Presenting them with a curated, high-quality kit demonstrates that your company is organized, thoughtful, and cares about the onboarding experience.
Secondly,It helps new hires feel prepared: By including key information, resources, and essentials, the welcome kit equips new team members with the tools they need to get started on the right foot. This can reduce anxiety and help them feel more confident navigating their first few weeks.
Thirdly,It fosters a sense of belonging: The personal touches, company swag, and welcoming messaging in the kit can help new hires feel welcomed into the team and excited to be part of your company culture.
Furthermore,It boosts employee engagement and retention: When new hires feel prepared, supported, and valued from the very beginning, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and stay with the company long-term.
Finally,It creates a consistent onboarding experience: By providing a standard welcome kit, you can ensure that all new hires receive the same high-quality onboarding resources and materials, regardless of their role or location.

How to Build Your Own Welcome Kit for your team: – 1

Now that you understand the “why” behind having a welcome kit, let’s dive into the “how.” Here are the key steps to creating your own custom welcome kit:

1.Firstly,Determine your budget and timeline.

Before you start sourcing items or designing the kit, it’s important to establish your budget and timeline. Think about how many new hires you typically onboard per year and what you’re willing to spend per kit. This will help you plan accordingly and ensure you can deliver the kits in a timely manner.

2.Secondly,Gather input from across the company.

Building the welcome kit shouldn’t be a one-person job. Reach out to stakeholders across different departments – like HR, IT, marketing, and leadership – to get their input on what should be included. This cross-functional collaboration will ensure the kit covers all the essential information and resources new hires need.

3.Thirldy,Decide on the key items to include.

Based on the feedback you gathered, determine the core components that will make up your welcome kit. This typically includes things like:

A welcome letter from the CEO or manager
Company swag (t-shirt, mug, notebook, pen, etc.)
Information about the company history, mission, and values
Details on benefits, policies, and procedures
Guide to using key tools and software
Directory of team members and contact info
Small gifts or treats (candies, snacks, etc.)

How to Build Your Own Welcome Kit for your team: – 2

4.Furthermore,Source high-quality, branded items.

Once you’ve decided on the kit contents, it’s time to source the physical items. This is where you can really make the welcome kit shine. Look for opportunities to incorporate your company branding, like custom-printed t-shirts, notebooks with your logo, or pens in your brand colors.

When choosing items, focus on quality over quantity. A few thoughtfully selected, premium items will make a stronger impression than a kit filled with cheap, generic swag. Think about how you can make the items useful and meaningful for new hires.

5.Moreover,Design a memorable unboxing experience.

The way you package and present the welcome kit is just as important as the contents inside. Approach the kit design with the same care and attention you would for any other marketing or branding collateral.

Consider using a high-quality box, bag, or other packaging that aligns with your brand aesthetic. Include personalized touches like the new hire’s name or a handwritten note. Arrange the items in an aesthetically pleasing way so the kit feels like a curated gift rather than a simple collection of supplies.

You can even include an element of surprise or delight, like a hidden note, a special gift, or a fun activity for the new hire to complete. The goal is to make the unboxing process an experience that gets them excited about joining your team.

How to Build Your Own Welcome Kit for your team: – 3

6.In addition,Deliver the kit at the right time.

Timing is everything when it comes to the welcome kit. You’ll want to make sure the kit arrives before or on the new hire’s first day, so they have everything they need to hit the ground running.

Coordinate with your HR or recruiting team to time the delivery accordingly. You may even want to consider having the kit waiting for the new hire on their desk when they arrive. This small gesture can make a big impact and set the tone for their onboarding experience.

7.Finally,Follow up and gather feedback.

Even after the new hire has received and unpacked their welcome kit, your work isn’t done. Reach out to them a few weeks into their role to get their feedback on the kit. What did they find most useful? What was their favorite item? Was there anything missing that would have been helpful?

Collecting this input will allow you to continuously improve and optimize your welcome kit for future new hires. It also shows the new team member that you truly value their experience and want to ensure they feel supported.

Company Swag Options: – 1

1.Firstly,Apparel:

T-shirts: These are a classic and versatile choice. You can opt for different styles, colors, and designs to reflect your brand.
Hoodies/Sweatshirts: Comfortable and practical, hoodies and sweatshirts can be worn year-round and make great casual office attire.
Polo shirts: Polo shirts offer a more professional look and can be worn in both casual and formal settings.
Hats/Caps: Caps and hats with your logo can be a great way to promote your brand and provide sun protection.
Jackets: Lightweight or insulated jackets can be useful for employees and customers, especially in colder climates.
Bags: Tote bags, backpacks, and other bags can be a practical and visible way to showcase your brand.

2.Secondly,Office/Desk Accessories:

Pens: Branded pens are a classic and functional swag item that can be used daily.
Notebooks/Journals: Provide employees and customers with high-quality notebooks or journals to jot down ideas and notes.
Mugs/Tumblers: Customized mugs and tumblers can use for hot or cold beverages, promoting your brand throughout the day.
Water bottles: Reusable water bottles are environmentally friendly and encourage healthier habits.
Mouse pads: Branded mouse pads can add a touch of personalization to workstations.
Desk organizers: Useful items like pen holders, desk trays, or charging stations can help keep workspaces tidy.

3.Thirdly,Technology Accessories:

Power banks: Portable chargers are invaluable for keeping devices powered up on the go.
Earbuds/Headphones: Branded earbuds or headphones can be a practical and appreciated gift.
Phone cases: Customized phone cases protect devices while showcasing your brand.
Laptop sleeves/bags: Protect laptops and tablets with branded sleeves or bags.

Company Swag Options: – 2

4.Furthermore,Promotional Items:

Keychains: Small and versatile, keychains can be attached to bags, keys, or other personal items.
Lanyards: Used for ID badges or access passes, lanyards are a practical and visible way to display your brand.
Magnets: Customized magnets can display on refrigerators or other metal surfaces, serving as a constant reminder of your brand.
Stickers: Stickers can use to decorate laptops, water bottles, or other personal items.
Pins/Badges: Lapel pins or branded badges can wear to show support for your company.

5.Moreover,Lifestyle Items:

Blankets: Cozy blankets can use at the office, home, or outdoor events.
Umbrellas: Branded umbrellas can be a useful and practical gift, especially in rainy climates.
Outdoor gear: Items like water bottles, camping gear, or hiking accessories can appeal to active lifestyles.
Kitchenware: Aprons, oven mitts, or other kitchen items can be useful for employees and customers.

By expanding on each category, you can better understand the wide range of options available and choose the best swag items that align with your brand, budget, and target audience.

How to Build Your Own Welcome Kit for your team – Conclusion:

Bringing on new team members is an exciting time, but it also comes with its fair share of uncertainty and nerves. By crafting a thoughtful welcome kit, you can help ease those anxieties and make new hires feel valued, prepared, and eager to contribute to your company’s success.

Remember, the welcome kit is just one piece of a comprehensive onboarding strategy. Be sure to pair it with other onboarding best practices, like scheduling meet-and-greets, providing training resources, and checking in regularly. With the right approach, you can turn the onboarding process into a positive, engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your custom welcome kit today and get ready to wow your next new hire!

Build your own Welcome Kit for your team!