Your Ultimate Guide to Creating an Effective Onboarding Kit for New Staff

You rarely get second chances to make good impressions, so making the first one count is important. It applies to a whole host of situations, and employee onboarding is not an exception.

Did you know that the onboarding experience can make or break job satisfaction and the retention potential for new staff?

Here are some interesting statistics –

• Effective onboarding can result in a 20% increase in employee discretionary effort
• Proper onboarding can lead to an 82% increase in employee retention
• Onboarded employees are 58% more likely to stay in their jobs for at least three years

All evidence points to the fact that creating a positive onboarding experience for new staff can help them feel comfortable in their new workplace, spread positivity about the company, make them feel like they are a part of the team, and feel confident in performing their roles and responsibilities.

Because of this reason, many organisations have started including an onboarding kit to make the transition as smooth and engaging as possible.

Starting the onboarding process with a comprehensive kit can benefit both the new staff member and the company. A well-prepared welcome pack can help new hires acclimate to their role and become more productive team players. It can only be a positive outcome for everyone involved.

The key is to ensure that the pack contains all the necessary information and resources, along with some fun pieces. But what exactly should be included in an effective onboarding kit?

Checklist of Onboarding Kit Essentials 

Gone are the days when onboarding kits were merely a collection of forms and policies. The modern employee onboarding kit is a dynamic blend of essential information, inspiration, and excitement. While it still includes crucial details about the job and office, it also provides a deeper understanding of the company's culture, values, and goals.

To ensure a smooth start, send a pre-arrival email to new hires covering details such as the dress code, parking information, directions, start time, and who to ask for at the front desk. Then, when they arrive, provide them with an onboarding kit that includes some or all of the following components.

• Essential Workplace Information

To ensure a seamless transition into their new role, new employees will appreciate having key details about the physical workplace. A well-designed office map, for instance, can help them locate restrooms, break areas, emergency exits, and important team members without constantly asking for assistance.

Here are a few important workplace facts to include in the onboarding kit:

• An office layout map
• Operating hours for the office
• Parking and public transport options and instructions
• Management and Team Structure Overview

It is important to provide information about the company's management and structure to help new employees feel like part of the team. It includes understanding their place in the organisation and how they can communicate with their colleagues.

Here are a few elements to include in the onboarding kit –

• An employee directory that includes names, contact information, and usernames on company messaging platforms
• A visual representation of the organisational chart
• Details about a mentor or buddy assigned to new employees, if applicable
• Information about local hotspots favoured by employees, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and gyms
• Resources and Equipment

A key aspect of starting a new job is having the right tools and resources to be productive from the very first day. Because of this reason, it's important to provide new employees with everything they need to do their job effectively.

Consider including the following items in the onboarding kit:

• Essential computer equipment, such as desktops and laptops
• Basic stationery, like pens and notebooks
• Software applications specific to their job
• An online onboarding platform that includes training materials, manuals, and videos
• Personalised Welcome Elements

Make a lasting impression on new hires by including creative, personalised elements in the onboarding kit. Fortunately, Coastal Direct Promotional Products provides a seamless way to customise promotional products in Australia. While there are many items to choose from, it’s best to stick with the ones that align with a company's culture and values.

Here are a few suggestions for personalised welcome items:

• A welcome letter to add a personal touch, written and signed by the new employee's manager, team, or CEO.
• A brief survey about their hobbies, interests, and which company values resonate with them. It shows that you are interested in getting to know them on a personal level.
• Branded merchandise, such as a coffee mug or t-shirt, to make new hires feel appreciated.
• A set of their own business cards to make them feel like a valued team member from day one.
• An inspiring book related to the industry or a digital toolkit featuring motivational articles, videos, and manuals.

Wrapping Up

A well-designed onboarding kit can significantly impact a new employee's experience and integration into a company culture. There is no one-size-fits-all when choosing the right promotional products in Melbourne for a company. So, don’t shy away from experimenting with welcome kits while ensuring you make new staff feel valued, supported, and motivated from the very start.