Imagine arriving at a new company, stressed on your first day, and receiving a warm welcome that immediately makes you feel at home. That's exactly where the welcome pack comes in, a key element of onboarding.
But it's not just a bundle of goodies. It's an opportunity to lay the foundations for a lasting relationship between your company and your new talent.
A well thought-out welcome pack, combined with a great onboarding, can turn the anxiety of a first day into enthusiasm, while strengthening commitment and the feeling of belonging.
A welcome that makes all the difference
Did you know that effective onboarding can increase employee retention by 82% and improve productivity by almost 70%? These figures speak for themselves: a successful first impression is not just pleasant, it's strategic.
When employees feel welcomed and supported from the outset, they are more likely to get involved and remain loyal to the company.
A good welcome is not just about administrative formalities. It's also about creating an emotional bond. By reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of belonging, you create a positive dynamic that influences the whole working experience.
We've already shared all the essential steps for a successful welcome in a detailed article. Discover how to create a memorable first day with some simple but effective practices.
The ideal Welcome Pack
The heart of the welcome is a well thought-out welcome pack, which combines the practical with the pleasurable. Here are the essentials:
- Practical essentials: notebook or diary, pen, water bottle, computer bag and a company survival guide with practical information, in-house glossary, useful contacts.
- Personal touches: T-shirt, personalised mug, stickers, personalised rucksack or tote bag with company logo.
- Snacks: Box of snacks or gourmet basket (with biscuits, tea and/or coffee), or candy
- Well-being focus: A small gift for relaxation (essential oil diffuser, scented candle, soft socks, blanket).
- Local discovery kit: Map of the town or district with local recommendations (restaurants, parks, nice shops), guide to local events not to be missed during the year, local products (a small speciality or product typical of the region).
- A little something extra: a beautiful office plant to add a touch of greenery and zen to the workplace (bonsai, succulent) or a bomb seed growing kit.
Conclusion
A welcome pack and a well thought-out welcome experience are much more than symbolic gestures. They are real investments in the satisfaction, productivity and loyalty of your employees. Corporate welcome gifts play a key role in this by making the arrival of new talent warmer and more engaging.
If you want to know how to welcome your new employees in the best way possible, we also wrote an article about it :
Read article: How to welcome a new employee in the best way
What's your best way of welcoming a new employee?