Starting a new job is always an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. As a business, one of the best ways to make new employees feel valued and welcomed is by giving them thoughtful welcome gifts. The ODM Group offers a wide range of office products and merchandise that are perfect for this purpose. 

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best welcome gifts for new employees, helping you make a positive first impression and foster a sense of belonging from day one.

Assorted welcome gifts including cork notebook, pen holder, USB drive, and laptop stand.

Memorable welcome gifts for new employees.

Should Welcome Gifts Be Part of Onboarding?

Absolutely! Onboarding is a critical phase when bringing on new employees. 

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to onboarding new employees. While training and job resources are crucial, many companies are recognizing the value of a thoughtful welcome gift to truly set the tone. It’s a simple yet impactful gesture that can kickstart a positive relationship.

Receiving a gift on those initial days helps new team members instantly feel valued and appreciated. It creates a warm atmosphere and eases those inevitable first-day jitters. After all, starting a new job can be intimidating! A welcome present is an icebreaker that says “We’re excited you’re here.”

But it’s more than just a morale boost. Including welcome gifts in your onboarding process speaks volumes about your company culture. It shows a genuine investment in employee satisfaction right from the get-go. 

Thoughtful company gift ideas including cork notebook, pen holder, USB drive, and laptop stand.

Thoughtful company gift ideas to show appreciation.

Link Between Onboarding and Employee Retention

There is indeed a strong link between effective onboarding and employee engagement and retention. 

When employees feel a sense of commitment from the start, their engagement levels increase significantly. Engaged workers are much more likely to be productive and stay with the company long-term, creating a stable and motivated workforce.

The statistics back this up. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), organizations with strong onboarding improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.

Welcome gifts play a significant role in fostering that initial engagement. Making new hires feel welcomed and valued from day one boosts their enthusiasm. It sets the right tone for long-term retention.

Small gestures like welcome gifts can have a significant impact, signaling that the company truly values its people from the very beginning. These thoughtful acts help new employees feel a sense of belonging and appreciation, which can enhance their loyalty and commitment to the company.

10 Welcome Gifts for New Employees

1. Customized Notebook and Pen Set

Magnetic design notebook with pen.

Sleek and functional magnetic design notebook.

Personalized notebooks paired with high-quality pens are a great way to make new employees feel special. Adding your company logo and the employee’s name makes them unique and useful for jotting down important notes and ideas.

2. Branded Coffee Mugs

 Custom branded coffee mugs with various designs including a soccer ball and employee of the month trophy.

Fun and unique custom-branded coffee mugs.

Coffee is the lifeblood of many workplaces. A branded coffee mug not only provides a daily reminder of your appreciation but also promotes company pride. Choose a stylish design that reflects your company’s culture.

3. Custom Handbook

Assorted gift sets with notebooks, pens, and branded tumblers.

Stylish corporate promotional gift sets.

Along with the traditional employee handbook, consider providing a more unofficial guide to the workplace to make the transition smoother. Include a company directory with photos and fun facts, a list of nearby restaurants and coffee shops, details about fun company traditions, and answers to common questions about company culture.

4. Branded Items

HSBC employee onboarding kit including USB flashlight, webcam cover, keyboard cleaner, and LED clock fan.

The ultimate employee welcome pack

Celebrate a new job with some branded company goodies. Go big or go small; the options are endless. Some favorites include a nice pen, stainless steel water bottle, company sweatshirt, or new notepad. Branded gifts can help new employees build an important emotional connection with the company.

5. Office Furniture and Accessories

Various promotional mailers including USB drive, calculator, and desk organizer.

Small package, big impact: how promotional mailers drive results.

Consider providing employees with a new piece of office furniture or a useful office accessory. Options include an adjustable standing/sitting desk, laptop stand, ergonomic desk chair, standing desk mat, monitor stand, wireless mouse, or ergonomic keyboard. Ask employees what they need before making any big purchases.

6. Tech Supplies

Tech gifts for women including Bluetooth speaker, phone case, earbuds, power bank, and customized mirror with LED light.

Go geek, go chic with these tech gifts.

There are numerous tech supplies that employees might benefit from receiving. Consider items like a webcam cover, blue-light glasses, or even a personal printer, scanner, or shredder depending on the new employee’s role.

7. Fitness Tracker

Wellness activities for employees featuring yoga mat, fitness tracker, and water bottle.

Wellness gifts to drive employee engagement.

If your company culture emphasizes employee wellbeing, a fitness tracker is the perfect way to engage new hires. Fitness trackers can promote healthy habits and friendly competition within the team.

8. Relaxation Items

Elephant-shaped silicone tea infusers with a mug.

Celebrate Relaxation Day with these adorable gifts.

Include non-work-related items to emphasize the value your company places on employee wellbeing. Options are endless – scented candles, lotion, nice socks, or soothing tea are all great choices.

9. Quality Keychains

Customized keychain with roulette design.

Small but mighty: customized keychains make a big impact.

A simple but thoughtful gift, keychains can be customized with your company logo or a motivational message. They’re a daily reminder of your appreciation.

10. Welcome Gift Card

Pop-up gift card with animal characters.

Delightful pop-up gift card for new employees.

A welcome gift card gives new employees the flexibility to choose what they need most. It’s a practical and appreciated gift that shows you value their individual preferences.

Conclusion

Welcoming new employees with thoughtful gifts is a wonderful way to make them feel valued and appreciated. The ODM Group offers a wide range of office products and merchandise that are perfect for this purpose. From customized notebooks to wellness kits, these gifts will help you make a positive first impression and set the tone for a successful working relationship.

By choosing carefully curated items, you demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and professional growth. Personalized gifts can foster a sense of belonging and motivate new hires to engage more deeply with their roles. Investing in high-quality, meaningful gifts from The ODM Group not only shows that you care about your employees but also reflects positively on your company’s image.

Explore The ODM Group’s selection of customized office products and start welcoming your new employees with exceptional gifts today!

FAQs

  1. What are some unique welcome gifts for new employees?

Unique welcome gifts include personalized notebooks, branded coffee mugs, and eco-friendly water bottles. These items can be customized to reflect your company’s culture and values.

  1. Why are welcome gifts important for new employees?

Welcome gifts help new employees feel valued and appreciated. They can ease the transition into a new role and foster a sense of belonging and team spirit.

  1. How can I choose the best welcome gifts for my team?

Consider the preferences and needs of your employees. Practical items like desk organizers and portable chargers are always appreciated. Personalization adds a special touch.

  1. Can welcome gifts improve employee retention?

Yes, welcome gifts can contribute to a positive onboarding experience, which can improve employee satisfaction and retention. Feeling valued from day one can set the tone for a long-term working relationship.

  1. Where can I find quality welcome gifts for new employees?

The ODM Group offers a wide range of high-quality office products and merchandise that are perfect for welcome gifts. You can find many customizable options to suit your needs.