We all know first impressions matter. Which is why the right onboarding kit is a perfect opportunity to make new employees feel at home and set the tone for a positive work experience. A carefully crafted kit can spark connection, inspire motivation, and lay the groundwork for long-term commitment. More than just a random assortment of swag, the best kits foster a sense of community and let your new hire know they belong. It’s a chance to say, “We’re excited to have you – welcome to the team!”
So, what does it take to start your new hires off right?
We’re glad you asked! The team at PromoCentric has got the goods when it comes to onboarding kits. We do it all–from dreaming up outside-the-box ideas to sourcing and supplying high-quality products to ensuring on time delivery. We create an onboarding experience that extends far beyond their first days and weeks. We know that making your employees feel valued and appreciated is an ongoing process–made easier through the use of curated merch, gifting, and recognizing milestones and achievements. So, if you want to make a great first (and lasting) impression with a creatively tailored onboarding kit, you’ve come to the right place!
The Value of a Thoughtful Onboarding Experience
Your onboarding kit sets the tone for your company culture. It’s your brand in action, showing–not just telling–your values. A thoughtful gift with a personal touch–say, a travel mug with their name on it–shows that you see and recognize them and their individuality. And a smart onboarding strategy pays off big time in the long run. Engaged employees are more productive, loyal, and likely to stick around. Start with the right kit and you set the stage for a strong performance.
What Goes into an Awesome Onboarding Kit?
The best kits mix style, function, and a dash of fun. Here are some of our tried and tested tips:
- Make It Meaningful: A personalized welcome note and customized products add an extra layer of connection that goes a long way.
- Custom Apparel: Merch like retail inspired apparel and uniforming really encourage that team spirit vibe. A warm welcome–complete with branded hoodie, cap, or T–shirt–makes a new hire feel fully part of the team from day one.
- Snacks & Sips: Whether in-office or remote, who doesn’t love a treat? Coffee, tea, and an assortment of delicious snacks make for a thoughtful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Functional Faves: Useful everyday items like water bottles, mouse pads, and umbrellas keep your brand top of mind. Tech accessories like wireless chargers, headphones, or a sleek laptop sleeve hit the sweet spot between cool and useful.
- Something to Share: A gift they can enjoy with family and friends–like a tabletop s’mores set or a plush sofa throw–is a great reminder of the work-life balance your company provides.
- Timing & Presentation: Time the delivery for maximum impact, whether the kit is waiting on their desk on day one or delivered to their home as part of a welcome package. Be sure to make the unboxing experience memorable with innovative custom packaging.
- Sync With the Bigger Picture: Integrate your kit into the broader onboarding process, like orientation meetings, digital welcome platforms, and training sessions. And don’t forget to engage your hybrid and work from home team members with kits designed especially for them. Wireless power banks and travel mugs make commuting easier, and items like candles, diffusers, and throw blankets can transform a home office into an inviting space.
Forgettable? Never. What to Consider When Creating Your Kit
- Personalized Merch: Custom decoration, including their name or job title, gives any gift that “made just for me” feel.
- Quality Over Quantity: Choose items that last. Quality merch with staying power reflects your brand’s commitment to excellence.
- Culture Fit: Whether your company vibe is creative, relaxed, or cutting edge, your kit should match.
- Smart Spend = Big Returns: Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive, and PromoCentric’s just-right pricing ensures you get the biggest bang for your buck.
Why Partner with PromoCentric?
- Endless Options: PromoCentric has all the hot brands like Apple, The North Face, Marine Layer, OXO, and Owala. And our lineup includes loads of sustainable and give-back products, like the eco-friendly Osprey Messenger Bag and the on-trend Hydro Flask tumbler, whose proceeds benefit the Parks For All program. Or golf apparel from carbon-neutral company Swannies, who support reduction projects across the globe. Limitless choices, plus PromoCentric’s worldwide sourcing capabilities, make us your go-to partner!
- Decorating Done Right: Quality customization is one of the things that sets us apart. From screen printing to embroidery to laser engraving, our strict quality control ensures it’s done right every time. And our creative team is here to help design one-of-a-kind swag that perfectly captures your brand–tied up with creative packaging that makes for a memorable unboxing experience.
- Rock-Solid Reliability: We know your standards are high, and so are ours. That’s why when you partner with PromoCentric your satisfaction is guaranteed. You can count on quality merch, reliable service, and on-time delivery. And if for some reason we don’t meet your expectations, we’ll make it right. No exceptions.
- Proven success: We’ve been helping companies up their promo marketing game for 25 years, and our track record of success speaks for itself. PromoCentric’s amazing team is our greatest asset, and it’s reflected in our passion for our work. And as winners of PPAI’s Greatest Company to Work For in 2022 and 2024, we like to think we know a thing or two about happy employees.
In short, an effective onboarding kit can do a lot of heavy lifting for your business. With customization and thoughtfully curated merch, you’ll make new hires instantly feel like part of the team, reminding them what your company stands for (and why they chose to work there!).
An awesome kit isn’t just an opportunity to make a stellar first impression; it’s a strategic tool for long-term success. Onboarding doesn’t end on day one. It’s an ongoing process, and an opportunity to engage, inspire long-term commitment, and celebrate future achievements.
Want to know how PromoCentric can elevate your brand’s onboarding experience to start your new hires off on the right foot? Let’s talk!
