What to Include in a Welcome Kit for New Employees?

Joining a new workplace is a mix of excitement and uncertainty for any new employee. They may have questions about fitting into the team, adapting to their responsibilities, or navigating the workplace culture. 

As an employer, it’s essential to ease these concerns and make them feel valued from day one.

One effective way to do this is by giving them a thoughtfully curated welcome kit. This kit is more than just a collection of items—it’s a gesture that sets the tone for their journey with your organization. 

A well-planned onboarding kit helps new employees feel appreciated, informed, and connected right from the start.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about creating an impactful welcome kit. From understanding its purpose to selecting the right items, we’ll help you make the onboarding experience memorable for your new team members.

Why Trust Us?

At TapWell, we bring over a decade of experience in crafting high-quality and meaningful corporate gifting solutions. 

We’ve partnered with organizations across India to create a welcome kit for new employees that reflects their culture and helps them build a new connection with their employees.

What Is An Employee Welcome Kit?

An Employee Welcome Kit is a curated package of materials and items provided to new hires to make them feel welcomed, valued, and informed as they join an organization. 

It typically includes essential tools, company information, and personal touches that help employees integrate into the workplace culture and become productive quickly.

The primary purpose of a welcome kit is to:

• Ease the transition: Help new employees settle into their roles and the workplace environment.
• Create a connection: Showcase your organization’s values and culture while fostering a sense of belonging.
• Boost morale: Set a positive tone for their journey with your company and make them feel appreciated from day one.

What should be included in an employee welcome kit?

Now that you understand what an employee welcome kit is and why it’s important, the next step is figuring out what to include. The right items in a welcome kit can make a significant impact, turning a simple gesture into a memorable experience.

1. Onboarding materials

Onboarding materials are essential components of an employee welcome kit that provide the information and resources new hires need to integrate smoothly into their roles and the organization. 

These materials serve as a roadmap, helping them understand the company’s operations, expectations, and specific responsibilities. Including these documents in your kit ensures clarity and sets the foundation for a successful start.

👉 Download the free employee onboarding checklist (with instructions):

• PDF → 
• Google Doc →

What to Include in Onboarding Materials:

• Employee Handbook: The employee handbook is a comprehensive guide to your company’s culture, mission, values, and operational procedures. It includes details about working hours, leave policies, a code of conduct, and other essential guidelines.
• Organizational Policies: Include copies of key policies, such as workplace safety, anti-harassment, confidentiality, and IT usage. These documents help new hires understand the rules and regulations they need to follow, ensuring compliance and building a secure and professional environment.
• Job-Specific Guides or Training Materials: Provide resources according to the new hire’s specific role. These might include detailed job descriptions, training schedules, or process documentation. 
• Login Credentials and Instructions for Accessing Systems: Share login details for email, internal portals, and other necessary software or tools. Accompany these with clear instructions for accessing and using systems. 

2. Company-Branded Items

Company-branded items not only help new employees feel a sense of belonging but also serve as a tangible reminder of the organization’s values and culture. 

These items promote team unity and can be great conversation starters, both within the workplace and outside. When thoughtfully included in a welcome kit, they enhance the employee experience and reinforce your company’s identity.

What to Include in Company-Branded Items:

1. Branded Stationery

High-quality branded stationery items like notebooks, promotional metal pens, and planners will be important additions to the welcome kit. These items help employees stay organized while serving as a subtle reminder of their connection to the company. 

At TapWell, we offer a range of over 200+ branded items that can be customized to match your company’s identity.

2. Company Swag 

Company swag, such as custom t-shirts, custom mugs, jackets, and other apparel, allows new hires to proudly represent the brand while feeling more connected to the team. These items help build a sense of togetherness and loyalty to the organization. 

With prices starting at just 250 Rupees, you can offer affordable and high-quality branded items that fit your budget without compromising on style or comfort.

3. Office Supplies (if applicable)

Depending on your workplace setup, you may want to include branded office supplies like mousepads, desk organizers, or water bottles. These items can make an employee’s workspace more comfortable and functional, all while reinforcing your company’s branding.

Incorporating these branded items into the welcome kit makes your new hires feel like a part of the team right away.

3. Technology and Tools

For employees in technical roles, access to the right tools and technology is crucial to their success. Including essential technology items in the welcome kit ensures that new hires can hit the ground running without delays. 

These tools may vary depending on the role but typically include devices, software access, and other tech-related essentials that streamline the onboarding process. Providing these tools upfront demonstrates your commitment to making their job easier and helps them focus on delivering results.

What to Include in Technology and Tools:

• Laptop/Computer (if applicable): For employees in technical or remote roles, provide a company-issued laptop or desktop. Ensure it’s pre-configured with necessary software and tools.
• Software Licenses or Access Keys: If the new hire needs specific software to perform their job, include access keys or licenses for platforms like design tools, coding environments, or project management software.
• Email and System Access: Ensure the employee has access to all internal communication tools, such as email, chat apps (e.g., Slack), or project management platforms. Provide login details and clear instructions for accessing systems.
• Hardware Accessories: Depending on the role, you may need to include accessories such as headphones, external monitors, or wireless mice and keyboards.

4. Welcome Note

A personalized welcome note is one of the simplest yet most impactful elements of an employee welcome kit. It helps establish a personal connection with the new hire, making them feel valued and recognized from the moment they join. 

A handwritten or thoughtfully written note from the CEO, manager, or HR team adds a human touch that goes beyond the formalities of the onboarding process.

This note serves as a warm introduction to the company, expresses excitement about their joining, and sets a positive tone for their journey with the organization. It also reinforces the organization’s commitment to making them feel welcome and supported.

5. Fun and Personal Touches

Incorporating fun and personal touches into an employee welcome kit adds a memorable, human element that can help break the ice and make the new hire feel immediately at home. These touches show that you value not only their professional skills but also their individuality. 

A mix of fun, personalized items can help new employees feel more connected to the team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and making them feel like they belong.

What to Include in Fun and Personal Touches:

• Customizable Desk Items (e.g., nameplate, personalized mug)
• Fun Team-related Merchandise (e.g., branded tote bags, socks)
• A Small Plant or Desk Decor
• Personalized Playlist or Book Recommendations
• Welcome Gift (e.g., chocolate, snacks, or local treats)
• Event or Social Activity Invitation (e.g., happy hour or team-building activity)

These personal touches are very important and will help you set the right mood and bring joy to the new joiners.

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• Best occasions to send corporate gifts [+ gift ideas] 

Final words

So, these were the key items to include in a well-thought-out employee welcome kit. By providing a mix of onboarding materials, company-branded items, technology tools, a personal welcome note, and fun touches, you can ensure that your new employees feel valued, connected, and excited about their new role.

At TapWell, our team can help you plan and finalize the perfect employee welcome kit for your new joiners. We offer customizable gift boxes that can be filled with a curated selection of items tailored to your company’s needs. 

The entire experience can be fully branded to match your company identity, and we can even deliver everything right to your office doorstep.

In the past 10 years, we’ve proudly delivered over 2 lakh employee welcome kits, each one carefully crafted with special items that leave a lasting impression. Let us help you make your employee onboarding experience memorable and impactful.