When onboarding remotely, it is easy to get the impression that everything happens only through a screen. Hence the welcome pack has become increasingly popular. A physical package that arrives at a new employee’s home before or during the first week of work. With it, onboarding doesn’t end with checklists and online meetings.
In the article, you’ll find a list of 10 products that a good welcome pack should include, as well as ideas for a welcome pack to fit different organizational cultures and tips on how to design it consistently with your brand.
Why is a welcome pack for an employee important when working remotely?
First of all, onboarding in the office happens more naturally. In remote work, it’s up to the company to create the space to get to know the team, processes and company culture.
A good welcome pack performs several functions simultaneously. First of all, it builds a sense of belonging and supports employer branding – an aesthetically pleasing kit employees are more likely to brag about on LinkediIn. Its contents also often show the company’s approach – whether it focuses on practicality, design, ecology or looser communication. In addition, a welcome pack facilitates first conversations, becoming a natural topic of discussion during team meetings.
Companies that invest in well-planned onboarding help new employees find their way around the organization faster and get into their roles better.
What should a welcome pack for an employee contain?
There is no single template – the kit should fit the company’s culture and industry. But there are 10 elements that work virtually every time.
1. corporate T-shirt or sweatshirt
This is one of those welcome pack items that stays with an employee for a long time. A well-made sweatshirt or t-shirt with branding goes into everyday use. The quality of the material and comfortable fit are key.
2. bag or backpack with company logo
The bag rides the subway, makes its way to conferences, and shows up at networking meetings. It’s one of the few gadgets that go far beyond the home office and work for brand visibility.
3. cup or bottle
A remote worker spends hours at the computer, and a company mug appears with him on every call. Bet on quality: ceramic or bottle with engraving live for years.
4. notes
Notebooks still have loyal fans, even in 100% remote teams. A notebook with a logo and dedicated cover page is an item that is in daily use.
5. pen
Bet on quality. A good pen is a trinket that an employee will notice and remember.
6. lifestyle gadget
Something no one expects in a corporate package: a scented candle or local coffee. This item creates a positive reaction and sets your kit apart from dozens of other onboardings.
7. workstation accessories
A magnetic cable, an ergonomic wrist pad, a wireless charger. These are things you use every day.
8. a welcome card from the team or manager
A short message from the manager or a card signed by the team is a simple addition that makes the welcome pack more personal.
9. element related to company values
Is your company focused on sustainability? A cotton bag, bamboo pen or seeds will tell the story of what is important to the organization.
10. additional surprise gadget
Opt for something small: printed socks, a pin with your logo, a camera cover. It doesn’t have to be expensive – it has to make you smile and be remembered.
Welcome pack ideas for remote teams
What specifically goes into the box depends on what the company wants to say about itself.
Eco welcome pack, for companies committed to sustainability
Bag made of organic cotton, bamboo cup, notebook made of recycled paper, pen made of wheat. All enclosed in plastic-free packaging. A simple set that shows the company’s approach to ecology.
Check out how STX Next approached it: a case study of an eco welcome package.
Tech welcome pack, for technology companies and startups
This is where things that come in handy from day one work best: a good charging cable, a phone stand or a camera cover. Small, practical additions that quickly go into everyday use.
Premium welcome pack, for enterprise companies
In this case, it is better to bet on fewer things, but better quality. A well-made bottle, an elegant notebook, a pen or a leather backpack will make a better impression than a large set of random gadgets. What matters is the quality of workmanship and a consistent, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Wellness welcome pack, for companies focusing on well-being
Kno ubek, artisan coffee or scented candle. Particularly apt for companies that are actively building a culture of employee wellness.
How to design a welcome pack consistent with the brand?
A set composed of random gadgets does not build an image, but simply takes up space on the shelf. Here are some things that make a difference:
Start with a brand book, not a product catalog
Colors, typography, tone of communication – before choosing gadgets, check whether they can be printed or engraved with the company’s corporate identity. A good partner will suggest products that can fit into the branding, not the other way around.
Packaging is the first impression
A cardboard box with the logo, a tissue paper in the brand’s colors, a sticker with a short greeting. These are the details that employees photograph and upload to social media. Unboxing in company colors is free employer branding – it’s worth planning.
Personalize as you like
An employee’s name on a mug, a choice of sweatshirt size collected in advance with a form, a handwritten card from a manager. Even one personalized item changes the perception of the whole set.
Plan logistics in advance
With remote onboarding, physically shipping the kits can be a challenge, especially when employees are in different countries. Choosing a partner that handles fulfillment and shipping eliminates the problem of “who packs and ships these packages before each launch.”
Ask for feedback and improve
After each round of onboarding, it’s a good idea to ask new employees what hit the spot in the welcome pack and what was unnecessary. This is the fastest way to optimize the kit – both in terms of cost and effect.
A well-crafted welcome pack helps make a good first impression and makes a new person feel part of the team faster. With remote work, where the first few weeks can easily go by without any physical contact with the company, a welcome pack bridges this gap better than any digital tool.
Looking for a partner to help design a welcome kit tailored to your brand; from product selection to customization to shipping to employees across Europe? Contact MerchUp and ask for a quote.