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The Definitive Guide to the Best Onboarding Kits
Onboarding kits are not just a nice gesture—they're a crucial part of welcoming new employees and setting the stage for their successful journey within your company. These kits are designed to make new hires feel at home from day one, reinforcing your company culture and values while boosting employee engagement.
Here's a quick look at the essentials of effective onboarding kits:
- Welcome Letter
- Employee Handbook
- Branded Apparel and Accessories
- Wellness and Office Supplies
- Personalised Touches
- Fun and Practical Items
A McKinsey study highlights that a well-structured onboarding process can significantly increase new hire productivity by up to 62% and improve employee engagement, affecting overall retention positively. With remote and hybrid work environments becoming the norm, these kits provide a tangible connection and first impression of what working at your company feels like.
I’m Ben Read, co-founder and CEO of Mercha.com.au, where we specialise in creating sustainable and engaging onboarding kits that align with your brand's values and goals. From my extensive e-commerce and management consulting experience, I’m here to guide you through the benefits of onboarding kits and how they can transform your employee engagement strategies.
Related content about onboarding kits:
What are Onboarding Kits?
Onboarding kits are more than just a collection of items; they're a thoughtful introduction to your company's culture and values. These kits serve as both a practical resource and a warm welcome for new employees, helping them feel connected and valued right from the start.
Resources for Success
An effective onboarding kit provides essential resources that help new hires steer their roles. This might include an employee handbook, which outlines company policies, procedures, and expectations. Including login credentials for necessary systems or access to a Learning Management System (LMS) can also be invaluable. These resources ensure that new employees have everything they need to hit the ground running.
Reflecting Company Culture
Onboarding kits are a powerful tool for expressing your company culture. By including items that reflect your brand's values and personality, you create a sense of belonging and excitement. For example, a tech company might include innovative gadgets, while a wellness-focused brand might offer yoga mats or mindfulness journals. The goal is to make new team members feel like they're part of something special.
Welcome Gifts that Make an Impact
Everyone loves a thoughtful gift, and welcome gifts in an onboarding kit can leave a lasting impression. Consider including high-quality branded apparel like t-shirts or hoodies that new hires can wear with pride. Adding personalised touches, such as a handwritten welcome note from the CEO or team leader, can make the experience even more memorable.
Building Connections
When remote and hybrid work is increasingly common, onboarding kits help bridge the physical gap. They offer a tangible connection to the company, making new employees feel like they're part of the team even if they're working from home. This connection is crucial for fostering engagement and reducing the sense of isolation that remote work can sometimes bring.
In summary, onboarding kits are a strategic investment in your employees' success. They provide essential resources, reflect your company culture, and offer a warm welcome to new hires, setting the stage for a positive and productive work experience.
Top 5 Onboarding Kits for New Employees
Creating an effective onboarding experience begins with a well-crafted onboarding kit. These kits serve as a bridge between new hires and your company, helping them feel welcomed and prepared from day one. Here are the top five elements that make an onboarding kit stand out.
Welcome Letter and Packet
A personalised welcome letter can set the tone for a new employee's journey. It's more than just words on paper; it's a heartfelt message that says, "We're excited to have you here." This letter can be accompanied by a packet containing logistical information, such as office maps, parking details, and a schedule of their first week. This ensures new hires feel informed and supported right from the start.
Branded Apparel and Accessories
Branded apparel like t-shirts and hoodies not only fosters a sense of belonging but also turns new hires into brand ambassadors. These items should be comfortable and stylish, encouraging employees to wear them proudly. Consider adding tech accessories like branded earphones or a portable charger. These practical items are appreciated in today's tech-driven workplace and show that you care about their convenience and comfort.
Wellness and Office Supplies
Promoting wellness is a key part of modern company culture. Including a high-quality water bottle in your onboarding kit encourages hydration and well-being. Desk accessories, such as an ergonomic mouse pad or a quirky desk organiser, can make their workspace more enjoyable and personalised. These thoughtful additions demonstrate your commitment to their health and productivity.
Personalised Touches
Adding personalised touches to an onboarding kit can transform it from a standard package into a memorable experience. Handwritten letters from team members or leaders can make new hires feel valued and connected. Offering customisable options, like choosing between different mug designs or selecting their preferred colour for a notebook, adds a personal touch that resonates with employees.
Fun and Practical Items
Injecting a bit of fun into the onboarding process can lighten the mood and make new employees feel at ease. Consider including snacks that cater to various dietary preferences, providing a quick energy boost during their busy first days. A branded coffee mug can become a staple on their desk, reminding them of their team's support with every sip. These items add a dash of joy to the onboarding experience, making it both enjoyable and memorable.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, your onboarding kits can effectively welcome new employees, reinforce your company culture, and set the stage for a successful and engaging work experience.
How to Build an Effective Onboarding Kit
Building an effective onboarding kit is about more than just assembling a collection of items. It's about creating a personalised experience that reflects your company culture and supports employee retention. Here's how you can achieve that:
Personalisation
Personalisation is key to making new hires feel special and valued. Start by including items that can be custom to individual preferences. For instance, offer a choice of branded apparel in various sizes and styles, or allow them to select their preferred desk accessories. A personalised welcome letter can also make a significant impact, showing genuine interest in the individual joining your team.
To gather the necessary information for personalisation, use your HRIS system to collect details like T-shirt sizes and dietary preferences during the preboarding phase. This approach ensures that each kit is unique to the recipient, enhancing their sense of belonging from the outset.
Company Culture
Your onboarding kit is an excellent opportunity to communicate and reinforce your company culture. Include materials that highlight your core values, such as a beautifully designed card or booklet. You might also consider integrating a fun interactive game or quiz that introduces your company's ethos in an engaging way.
For a more immersive experience, consider offering access to online resources or training modules that dig deeper into your company values and practices. This not only educates new hires but also helps them align with your organisational goals and mission.
Employee Retention
Effective onboarding is closely linked to employee retention. A well-thought-out onboarding kit can significantly boost a new hire's confidence and engagement. According to research, organisations with a standardised onboarding process experience 62% greater new hire productivity and 50% greater retention.
To support retention, include practical items that help new employees settle in quickly. Provide resources like an employee handbook, login credentials for essential systems, and a schedule of their first week's activities. These tools equip them to steer their new environment with ease, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive first impression.
The goal of an onboarding kit is not just to welcome new hires but to set them up for long-term success. By focusing on personalisation, company culture, and employee retention, you can create a kit that not only impresses but also supports new employees throughout their journey with your company.
Frequently Asked Questions about Onboarding Kits
What are the 4 phases of onboarding?
The onboarding process can be broken down into four key phases: pre-onboarding, welcoming, training, and transition. Each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring new employees are smoothly integrated into the company.
Pre-onboarding: This phase begins once the job offer is accepted and lasts until the first day of work. It's about preparing the new hire for their role. During this time, companies can send a welcome email, provide access to necessary software, and gather personalisation details for the onboarding kit. This helps reduce anxiety and builds excitement for the new role.
Welcoming: The welcoming phase occurs on the new hire's first day. It involves introducing them to their team, providing a tour of the workplace (or virtual introductions for remote workers), and giving them their onboarding kit. This phase sets the tone for their experience with the company.
Training: Training equips new employees with the skills and knowledge needed for their role. It can include formal training sessions, on-the-job learning, and access to a Learning Management System (LMS). Providing a clear training schedule helps new hires understand what's expected and how they can succeed.
Transition: The final phase is transition, where the new hire moves from being a trainee to a fully integrated team member. Regular check-ins and feedback during this period ensure they are comfortable and confident in their role.
What are the 5 C's of onboarding?
The 5 C's of onboarding are essential components that create a comprehensive and effective onboarding experience: clarity, compliance, culture, connection, and check-in.
Clarity: Ensure new hires understand their role, responsibilities, and company expectations. Providing an employee handbook and a detailed role description can help achieve this.
Compliance: This involves educating new employees about company policies, legal requirements, and safety protocols. It's crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Culture: Introduce new hires to the company culture by sharing core values, traditions, and team dynamics. A culture guide or a fun team activity can help them feel part of the community.
Connection: Building relationships with colleagues and managers is vital. Encourage social interactions and provide opportunities for new hires to connect with their team.
Check-in: Regular check-ins are essential for tracking progress and addressing any concerns. These can be informal chats or structured meetings to ensure new hires feel supported.
What is included in a welcome kit?
A welcome kit is a curated package of items designed to make new hires feel appreciated and prepared. Here's what it typically includes:
Welcome Letter: A personalised note expressing excitement about the new hire joining the team.
Employee Handbook: A comprehensive guide covering company policies, culture, and role-specific information.
Branded Items: Quality company swag like T-shirts, hoodies, or tech accessories to foster a sense of belonging.
Practical Resources: Tools and information needed for their role, such as login credentials, a map of the office, or a schedule of their first week's activities.
Fun and Personal Touches: Snacks, coffee mugs, or personalised desk accessories to make them feel at home.
By incorporating these elements, a welcome kit not only serves as a practical resource but also as a warm introduction to the company culture and values.
Branded Merch Made Easy.
In today's competitive landscape, onboarding kits are more than just a welcome gesture—they're a strategic investment in your company's future. At Mercha, we understand the importance of making a lasting first impression. Our customisable merchandise options allow businesses to create onboarding kits that reflect their unique brand and values.
Sustainability is at the core of what we do. We believe in providing high-quality products that are made to last, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Our easy online platform makes it simple to order and personalise your kits in just three steps, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
By choosing Mercha, you're not just investing in merchandise; you're investing in your employees' success and your company's growth. Our commitment to sustainability and quality ensures that your new hires start their journey with items they're proud to use and share.
Ready to create an onboarding kit that stands out? Explore our range of options and see how Mercha can help you deliver a memorable and meaningful welcome to your new team members.
