New employees often come in with a lot of questions and worries.
“Will I fit in here? Did I make the right decision? How will I find my place in this new team?”
These are big questions that can weigh heavily on someone’s mind. The first few days are crucial in shaping their experience and their future at the company.
A lack of a warm welcome can magnify these doubts. Without it, new hires might feel like just another number in the system. This feeling of isolation can lead to disengagement.
This is where a well-chosen welcome gift comes into play. The right welcome gift can speak volumes. It can reassure the new hire that they’ve made the right decision, help them feel connected to their new team, and set the tone for the employee experience with the company.
This kind of welcome can turn those first-day jitters into a wonderfully positive start.
And in this blog, we’ll help you with 15 welcome gifts for your new hires.
The Importance of Welcome Gifts in Onboarding
When a new person joins a team, the first few days are super important. This is when they start to feel like part of the team.
A welcome gift helps set the mood for a new employee’s time at the company. It’s the first step in making them feel at home. This small act can make a big difference in how they see their new job.
Studies show that when new employees have a good start, they’re more likely to stay at the job. They’re also happier and more productive. For example, a study found that employees who felt welcome were 50% more likely to stick around.
That’s a big deal!
This feeling can make new employees want to do their best and stay loyal to the team.
However, it’s important to pick the right gift. If you know the new hire likes coffee, maybe get them a special mug. If they like to write, a nice notebook could be perfect.
The key is to show that you’ve thought about what they’d like. This makes the gift even more special.
Welcome gifts are a small thing that can make a big difference. They help new employees feel good about their choice to join the team. Plus, they set the stage for a happy and productive time at the company.
Measuring the Impact of Welcome Gifts
Yes, welcome gifts are very important for building a welcoming culture.
However, how do you measure its ROI?
One big win from welcome gifts is that people are more likely to stay at their jobs. This is great because hiring new people all the time can be expensive and time-consuming.
So if fewer people leave, the company saves money and keeps good workers.
Another cool thing welcome gifts can do is make employees happier and more excited about their work.
This can be seen in scores from surveys where employees talk about how they feel at work. Higher scores usually mean people are happy and doing their best.
In short, spending a bit on welcome gifts can lead to happier employees who stick around longer. This is good for everyone and shows that a little kindness can go a long way in the workplace.
15 New Employee Welcome Gift Ideas to Make Employees Feel Valued
As we said earlier, welcome gifts are a great way to make new employees feel at home. So, here’s a list of 15 gift ideas that are both useful and personal but won’t break the bank.
We’ve matched each gift to a type of person to help you choose the perfect one.
1. Personalized Coffee Mug
For the coffee lover. Add their name or a fun quote related to their role at the company.
2. Desk Plant
For the nature enthusiast. A small, easy-to-care-for plant can brighten up their workspace and mood.
3. Welcome Note from the Team or CEO
For every new employee. A personal message can make them feel truly welcomed and valued.
4. Custom Notebook
For the organizer. A notebook with their name or the company logo on it is both practical and personal.
5. Quality Water Bottle
For the health-conscious. A durable and stylish water bottle encourages hydration and wellness.
6. Tech Gadget Organizer
For the tech-savvy. Help them keep their cables and gadgets tidy with a sleek organizer.
7. DIY Welcome Kit
For the creative mind. Include company swag, a guide to the office, and local treats or fun facts.
8. Digital Welcome Experience
For the remote worker. A virtual tour of the office or digital meet-and-greet with the team can make them feel included.
9. Subscription to an Industry Magazine
For the lifelong learner. Keep them updated with the latest trends and news in their field.
10. Online Course Voucher
For the ambitious. Offer a voucher for a course that can help them grow professionally.
11. Ergonomic Office Supplies
For the comfort seeker. Items like an ergonomic mouse or keyboard can make their workspace more comfortable.
12. Fitness Class Pass
For the active employee. A pass to local fitness classes or an online fitness platform can support their well-being.
13. Personalized Stationery Set
For the traditionalist. A set with their name or initials adds a personal touch to their correspondence.
14. Portable Lunch Box Set
For the foodie. A high-quality lunch box set encourages healthy eating and saves money.
15. Team Merchandise
For a team player. Company-branded apparel or accessories help them feel like part of the team from day one.
Remember, adding a personal touch, like a handwritten welcome note, can make these gifts even more special.
Tailoring the gift to the new employee’s interests or needs shows that you care and have taken the time to welcome them properly.
Practical Considerations When Choosing Welcome Gifts
When picking out welcome gifts for new employees, it’s important to think about a few key things.
Let’s dive into what you need to keep in mind to make sure your gifts hit the mark.
Sticking to a Budget
First up, let’s talk money.
You want to give something nice, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Look for gifts that feel special without costing a lot. Sometimes, it’s the thought and personal touch that counts more than the price tag.
Getting Gifts to Everyone
Now, how do you make sure everyone gets their gift, especially if they work from home?
If your team is spread out, think about gifts that are easy to send in the mail. Also, plan ahead to make sure gifts arrive on time, maybe even on their first day!
Choosing the Right Gifts
Picking gifts that everyone will like can be tricky.
Try to go for things that most people could use or enjoy. But, be careful about things like food gifts, which might not work for everyone because of allergies or dietary choices. And remember, a simple, thoughtful gift often means the most.
Learning from Others
It’s also cool to see what other companies do for their welcome gifts. Some businesses get really creative with their onboarding gifts and practices.
For example:
- Google: New employees get a funny hat with a spinning part on top. It’s a fun way to make them feel welcome.
- Salesforce: New people get a backpack with the company’s logo. Salesforce also teaches them about kindness and teamwork.
- Zappos: Zappos offers new employees money to leave if they don’t think the job is right for them. It’s a unique way to make sure everyone really wants to be there.
These stories can give you great ideas and show you what works well.
By keeping these points in mind, you can choose welcome gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and sure to make your new team members feel right at home.
Great New Hire Gift Packages Ideas
Putting together a few different gifts into one package can really make new employees feel special.
Let’s explore some cool ways to bundle gifts and who they might be best for.
The Cozy Starter Pack
For the home office employee, think about a cozy blanket, a stylish mug, and some gourmet coffee or tea. It’s perfect for making their home office feel warm and welcoming.
The Tech Gear Bundle
Got a tech whiz joining the team?
How about a package with a high-quality tech organizer, a portable charger, and maybe some cool, branded earbuds? It’s a tech lover’s dream and helps them stay plugged in and ready.
The Green Thumb Kit
For someone who loves plants, create a kit with a small desk plant, some plant-themed desk accessories, and maybe a book on easy plant care. It’s a great way to bring a bit of nature into their workspace.
The Wellness Pack
For the employee who’s all about wellness, a package with a quality water bottle, a fitness class pass, and some healthy snacks can encourage their healthy lifestyle and show you support their wellbeing.
The Professional Development Collection
For the eager learner, a bundle with a subscription to a top industry magazine, a voucher for an online course, and a sleek, personalized notebook can fuel their growth and show you’re invested in their career.
By creating these themed packages, you not only give a warm welcome but also show that you’ve thought about what makes each new hire unique. It’s a powerful way to start your journey together on the right foot.
Building a Welcoming Culture
Welcome gifts are a sign of your company’s culture and what you stand for.
When you give a new employee a welcome gift, you’re not just giving them something to use or enjoy. You’re telling them they’re important and that you’re glad they’re part of the team.
Think of welcome gifts as an investment in your people. They can help new hires feel at home and get excited about being part of your company. This is key to keeping them engaged and happy in the long run.
Another easy way to build a culture around valuing your employees? Showering them with awesome perks—like employee discounts and corporate rates on everything from pizza and the zoo, to movie tickets, oil changes, car rentals, and hotels.
Download our Perks Report to get more info on the best perks to offer your employees.
