Why Famous Companies Create Welcome Kits and Tips for Making Them
For new employees joining a company, the onboarding process is essential. Onboarding refers to the overall process of helping new hires adapt smoothly and settle into the organization. Much like boarding a ship or plane, it means getting comfortably ‘on board’ with the company. ...
Source: thedieline
For employees who have just joined a company, the onboarding process is essential. Onboarding refers to the overall process of helping new hires adapt smoothly and settle into the organization. Much like boarding a ship or plane, it means getting comfortably ‘on board’ with the company. It includes introducing company culture and providing the basic information and skills needed for the job so that new employees can adapt quickly. And recently, many creative companies have been providing welcome kits as part of this onboarding process.
What Is a Welcome Kit?
Source: thedieline
Also called an “onboarding pack” or “welcome box,” a welcome kit is a package given to new employees. Inside, it may include office supplies that are actually useful for work, company-branded items, a handbook, small gifts, and more. Starting a new job, meeting new people, and beginning new responsibilities can be stressful and nerve-racking for anyone. When new hires receive a thoughtful welcome kit, it helps them relax and feel connected to the company more quickly.
If you’re unfamiliar with “package” terminology
Why Companies Create Welcome Kits
1. They make a great first impression
autismspeaks
The biggest role of a welcome kit is, quite literally, to welcome employees. Receiving a kit that celebrates their hire sends the message that joining the company is something worth celebrating. When a new hire feels celebrated, they feel that their presence and value are recognized. Starting their journey at the company with that sense of pride and excitement is very important.
2. They create a sense of belonging
pairedlife
A company is a corporation. In other words, unlike a person, it does not have a physical form. So while employees can grow closer to coworkers by meeting and spending time together, feeling a true sense of belonging to a company is relatively difficult. By providing a welcome kit, the company shows that it is happy about the new colleague’s arrival and takes a step toward introducing its values and culture. This helps new employees clearly understand where they are and what they do. It can also contribute positively to reducing employee turnover.
3. They can motivate new employees
mindcorelab
A welcome kit is not just a one-time gift. It encourages new employees to get actively involved. That is why it matters to give them a tangible package they can see and touch, rather than only sharing information through a computer screen. Through the welcome kit, employees can quickly grasp and organize the team’s work schedule and guidelines, so they do not have to wonder where to begin on their first day.
4. They showcase the company’s culture and values
medium
Naturally, new employees still do not know much about the company. Understanding what values the company pursues and what kind of internal atmosphere and culture it has — and working with that in mind — creates a completely different quality of work. Knowing only the company name and industry is not enough. Employees should be able to immerse themselves in the company’s brand. A welcome kit filled with brand colors, logos, and items can effectively introduce those values and culture.
What Should Go Inside a Welcome Kit?
1. Onboarding documents
Source: 99designs
When employees first join a company, there are several documents they need to complete. If you provide a concise set of materials such as the contract, emergency contact information, work-related worksheets, technical guidelines and policies, benefits forms, and other necessary surveys, the required processes can be handled more efficiently.
2. Company handbook
Source: 99designs
Provide a handbook that organizes the information new employees need to know about the company. It can include a welcome letter from the CEO, the company’s history and vision, organizational structure, benefits, work guidelines, introductions to key team members and team leaders, and instructions for logging into shared accounts.
3. Office supplies
pamconfectionery
Office supplies needed for work are among the most common items included in welcome kits. Stationery such as pens, clips, Post-its, notebooks, and memo pads, as well as useful tech items like a mouse, Bluetooth keyboard, laptop stand, or earphones, can help employees get started efficiently depending on the industry or role.
4. Company-branded merchandise
Source: blackdesign
It is great to have company-only branded items printed with the company logo or slogan. Practical items such as pens, mouse pads, tumblers, mugs, T-shirts, and stress balls are useful in themselves and also help employees feel a sense of belonging every time they use them.
5. Small gifts
Source: thedieline
Useful items are great, but including a small gift simply as a gesture of welcome can also be very meaningful. Try adding a small potted plant for the desk, a photo frame, a gift card for a nearby café, a scented candle, or a small figurine to brighten the mood.
Things to Consider When Making a Welcome Kit
1. What message should it convey?
thedieline
The core of a welcome kit is message delivery. So what should it say? Most importantly, remember that this is what new employees receive on their first day, when they arrive at the company for the first time. Tell them you’re happy to have them join, welcome them warmly, and introduce the company in a friendly way.
2. How can you share the company’s values?
Source: happyswag
A welcome kit is a great way for a company to share its values with new employees. A smart company should invest not only in consumer-facing branding, but also in internal branding. Actively communicate brand values to employees as well. This does not have to be done only in writing. Using design elements can be highly effective too.
3. Is it a kit that helps employees work better?
Source: innovativeideas
Welcome kits motivate employees and provide information so they can adapt to the company easily and quickly and begin working effectively. Identify the questions new hires are likely to have in advance and provide answers to them. Sharing the team’s goals by schedule can also be an effective way to improve day-to-day work efficiency.
4. The quality of the welcome kit
Source: thedieline
If you decide to make a welcome kit, it is best to make it well. Many new employees take photos of their welcome kits and share them on social media. When photos of a high-quality welcome kit are posted and shared online, it can positively affect the company’s reputation in the industry. Pay attention not only to the items included in the kit, but also to the packaging design.
Wondering about small-batch production?
Create a More Beautiful and Special Welcome Kit with Packative
Packative offers custom welcome kit production services that help companies and new employees communicate more actively with each other. The design of the welcome kit packaging you need will vary depending on the company’s industry and atmosphere. Consult with experts and easily create packaging made with the right material, method, and design for your welcome kit.
