More articles you might like:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- 8 Awesome Welcome Kits for Onboarding<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Remote Onboarding Tips for New Employees<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 7 DIY Employee Gift Ideas with Free Printables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 15 DIY Swag Bag Ideas for Clients, Events, and Giveaways<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/f_auto,q_auto,c_scale,w_600\/web\/blog\/how-to-make-an-onboarding-kit-for-a-warm-welcome-1\")
A common design theme pulls together a variety of items for an onboarding welcome kit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is a welcome kit and why it’s important for onboarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The terms “welcome kit” and “onboarding kit” are used interchangeably to describe a gift for new employees. They generally include a variety of small items, office supplies, and company swag to make the first few days or weeks of employment more pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond making a new employee feel more comfortable, welcome kits are an opportunity to make a great impression. Of course, that is to say nothing of beginning the onboarding process in a positive manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why onboarding is important<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In short, onboarding is important because it integrates new employees and helps to retain them. During the onboarding process, new hires acclimate to their environment, build bonds, and become engaged. Because engaged employees tend to have a much lower turnover rate, it is in the best interest of any business to promote engagement from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take, for example, the two-year program for new graduates at Brotherly Love Real Estate in Philadelphia<\/a>, which includes a three-week onboarding process up front. CEO and co-founder Jon Sanborn says that after implementing this program, “we have witnessed a 17% increase in overall productivity and a 21% improvement in work culture.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow long does onboarding take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The onboarding process varies by company and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Certified Personnel Consultant, Anjela Mangrum, says, “I believe any onboarding process should cover three months<\/strong> to fully enable a new hire to adjust to an organization, both professionally and socially.” Mangrum also cites the “90-day employee retention rule” covered in depth in this Wall Street Journal article<\/a>. Mangrum, who is the founder and president of Mangrum Career Solutions<\/a>, sums it up, “workers that stay at a firm for the first three months will likely complete at least a year before moving on to another job, so if you need to reduce turnover and ”quick quits,” it’s essential to streamline your onboarding process.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilarly, Teri Shern, co-founder of Conex Boxes<\/a>, says, “The initial stages of the onboarding process for us take about 3\u20134 months<\/strong>.” However, she goes on to say, “But, when you look at the bigger picture, the entire first year<\/strong> of an employee\u2019s time with us involves a variety of learning materials and assistance that helps them to become a truly independent and productive individual within the company.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n1) Shop for items: what a welcome kit should include<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n“…we give them a welcome kit. This kit includes a company t-shirt, a notebook, a pen, and a few other desk essentials they could use.”<\/p>\nZephyr Chan, founder of Better Tools<\/a> based in Hong Kong, China<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nJust like onboarding times, what’s included in welcome kits can also vary by company, but there are a few items that always seem to be included. For example, Zephyr Chan, founder of Better Tools, and Cindy Deuser, HR Director of Thrive Digital Marketing Agency,<\/a> both prefer company swag and some office essentials. Deuser says, “New hires appreciate receiving free items and gifts from companies, making them feel welcomed and excited to work.” She goes on to say, “These could include an ID lanyard, company t-shirt, jacket, or mug.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nWelcome\/onboarding kit ideas by category<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Daily essentials<\/strong> are often overlooked. However, gum or mints, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissues, disposable face masks, headphones, or a universal phone cable can really come in handy on a new hire’s first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOffice supplies<\/strong> are always useful, for instance, pens, a notebook or notepad, a binder, or folders. You can even use personalized labels to make your new hire feel extra special. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSnacks <\/strong>like energy bars, candy, dried fruit, fruit snacks, protein snacks, or a gift card for lunch are great onboarding gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUseful company swag<\/strong>, such as totes or mugs, is often the MVP of first-day items, especially since the first day at a new job can often be overwhelming. Any swag that helps new hires grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in the breakroom and easily carry all their paperwork home is a definite win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n“Part of the team” company swag<\/strong> such as stickers and t-shirts starts encouraging team spirit on day one. Remember that the onboarding process is part of the team-building process. Help your new hires instantly feel like part of the team with swag that promotes company pride. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCreate custom stickers in minutes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create your own company stickers for onboarding kits, giveaways, and more. Using our WePrint\u00ae service and your company logo, it’s incredibly easy. First, upload your logo or design; next, enter your sticker size. Then pick matte or glossy. Finally, choose your quantity, add it to your cart, and you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMake a sticker now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t have a logo yet? Learn how to make a logo for your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2) Pick a container: how you will present onboarding kit items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to packaging and presenting your onboarding kit, you have several choices, including baskets, gift boxes, and tote bags. For baskets and gift boxes, you may also need filler, cellophane, or shrink wrap in order to pull it all together. By far, the best option is a tote bag because not only does it easily contain all the items in your kit, but it also doubles as a way to carry home first-day paperwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, you can buy decorative totes or get them custom-printed. However, custom-printed totes can get pricey fairly quickly. Instead, you can make your own DIY welcome kit totes with fabric transfers. Avery fabric transfers, specifically, are easy to customize and easy to apply to canvas tote bags. First, start with a predesigned template you can customize, like the one below. Or, browse more free Avery templates for fabric transfers<\/a>. Then, print your design and trim around the edges. Finally, apply the transfer to your tote with an iron or heat press. You can find even more resources, such as instructions and tutorials, here on our fabric transfer page<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/f_auto,q_auto,c_scale,w_600\/web\/blog\/how-to-make-an-onboarding-kit-for-a-warm-welcome-2\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPrint this design yourself on Avery fabric transfer 3271<\/a>, which is ideal for light-colored fabrics, including canvas tote bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ncustomize<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLooking for more ways to customize fabric swag? Browse our full line of fabric transfer products<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n3) Personalize welcome kit items with labels and tags<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSupplies you will need for personalizing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It’s not only super easy to personalize onboarding kit items with Avery products, but you can also get started right away. In fact, you probably already have everything you need to start designing labels, cards, and tags. First, you will need a laptop, tablet, or other smart device and an internet connection. Then, you will need a free Avery account in order to save, share, or reprint your projects later. Finally, if you’re printing yourself, then you will need a laser or inkjet printer connected to your device and the printable Avery product of your choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As far as the type of printer goes, you can print Avery products on most desktop or office printers. The most important thing is to match the type of labels, cards, or tags to the type of printer you have. For example, labels marked “Laser” should only be used with a laser printer, and labels marked “Inkjet” should only be used with an inkjet printer. Using the wrong label with your printer can result in prints that smudge, smear, and never seem to dry or “set,” so it’s super important. As a matter of fact, we wrote a whole article about the kinds of printers to use for printing labels<\/a> just to set the record straight, and the information in that article also applies to cards and tags. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a printer or don’t want to bother printing, we can also print for you. Our WePrint service uses professional digital printers, and orders ship in as few as three business days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTry our custom-printing service<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free welcome kit templates you can quickly customize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/f_auto,q_auto,c_scale,w_600\/web\/blog\/how-to-make-an-onboarding-kit-for-a-warm-welcome-3\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPrint this design yourself on 7-17\/20″ x 1-3\/4″ wraparound labels by the package<\/a> (22838)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOr, print it on the same labels available by the sheet (94232)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\ncustomize<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/f_auto,q_auto,c_scale,w_600\/web\/blog\/how-to-make-an-onboarding-kit-for-a-warm-welcome-4\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n
What is a welcome kit and why it’s important for onboarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The terms “welcome kit” and “onboarding kit” are used interchangeably to describe a gift for new employees. They generally include a variety of small items, office supplies, and company swag to make the first few days or weeks of employment more pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond making a new employee feel more comfortable, welcome kits are an opportunity to make a great impression. Of course, that is to say nothing of beginning the onboarding process in a positive manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why onboarding is important<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In short, onboarding is important because it integrates new employees and helps to retain them. During the onboarding process, new hires acclimate to their environment, build bonds, and become engaged. Because engaged employees tend to have a much lower turnover rate, it is in the best interest of any business to promote engagement from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take, for example, the two-year program for new graduates at Brotherly Love Real Estate in Philadelphia<\/a>, which includes a three-week onboarding process up front. CEO and co-founder Jon Sanborn says that after implementing this program, “we have witnessed a 17% increase in overall productivity and a 21% improvement in work culture.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The onboarding process varies by company and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Certified Personnel Consultant, Anjela Mangrum, says, “I believe any onboarding process should cover three months<\/strong> to fully enable a new hire to adjust to an organization, both professionally and socially.” Mangrum also cites the “90-day employee retention rule” covered in depth in this Wall Street Journal article<\/a>. Mangrum, who is the founder and president of Mangrum Career Solutions<\/a>, sums it up, “workers that stay at a firm for the first three months will likely complete at least a year before moving on to another job, so if you need to reduce turnover and ”quick quits,” it’s essential to streamline your onboarding process.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, Teri Shern, co-founder of Conex Boxes<\/a>, says, “The initial stages of the onboarding process for us take about 3\u20134 months<\/strong>.” However, she goes on to say, “But, when you look at the bigger picture, the entire first year<\/strong> of an employee\u2019s time with us involves a variety of learning materials and assistance that helps them to become a truly independent and productive individual within the company.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “…we give them a welcome kit. This kit includes a company t-shirt, a notebook, a pen, and a few other desk essentials they could use.”<\/p>\nZephyr Chan, founder of Better Tools<\/a> based in Hong Kong, China<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Just like onboarding times, what’s included in welcome kits can also vary by company, but there are a few items that always seem to be included. For example, Zephyr Chan, founder of Better Tools, and Cindy Deuser, HR Director of Thrive Digital Marketing Agency,<\/a> both prefer company swag and some office essentials. Deuser says, “New hires appreciate receiving free items and gifts from companies, making them feel welcomed and excited to work.” She goes on to say, “These could include an ID lanyard, company t-shirt, jacket, or mug.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily essentials<\/strong> are often overlooked. However, gum or mints, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissues, disposable face masks, headphones, or a universal phone cable can really come in handy on a new hire’s first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Office supplies<\/strong> are always useful, for instance, pens, a notebook or notepad, a binder, or folders. You can even use personalized labels to make your new hire feel extra special. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Snacks <\/strong>like energy bars, candy, dried fruit, fruit snacks, protein snacks, or a gift card for lunch are great onboarding gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Useful company swag<\/strong>, such as totes or mugs, is often the MVP of first-day items, especially since the first day at a new job can often be overwhelming. Any swag that helps new hires grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in the breakroom and easily carry all their paperwork home is a definite win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Part of the team” company swag<\/strong> such as stickers and t-shirts starts encouraging team spirit on day one. Remember that the onboarding process is part of the team-building process. Help your new hires instantly feel like part of the team with swag that promotes company pride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Create your own company stickers for onboarding kits, giveaways, and more. Using our WePrint\u00ae service and your company logo, it’s incredibly easy. First, upload your logo or design; next, enter your sticker size. Then pick matte or glossy. Finally, choose your quantity, add it to your cart, and you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a logo yet? Learn how to make a logo for your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to packaging and presenting your onboarding kit, you have several choices, including baskets, gift boxes, and tote bags. For baskets and gift boxes, you may also need filler, cellophane, or shrink wrap in order to pull it all together. By far, the best option is a tote bag because not only does it easily contain all the items in your kit, but it also doubles as a way to carry home first-day paperwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you can buy decorative totes or get them custom-printed. However, custom-printed totes can get pricey fairly quickly. Instead, you can make your own DIY welcome kit totes with fabric transfers. Avery fabric transfers, specifically, are easy to customize and easy to apply to canvas tote bags. First, start with a predesigned template you can customize, like the one below. Or, browse more free Avery templates for fabric transfers<\/a>. Then, print your design and trim around the edges. Finally, apply the transfer to your tote with an iron or heat press. You can find even more resources, such as instructions and tutorials, here on our fabric transfer page<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Print this design yourself on Avery fabric transfer 3271<\/a>, which is ideal for light-colored fabrics, including canvas tote bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more ways to customize fabric swag? Browse our full line of fabric transfer products<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n It’s not only super easy to personalize onboarding kit items with Avery products, but you can also get started right away. In fact, you probably already have everything you need to start designing labels, cards, and tags. First, you will need a laptop, tablet, or other smart device and an internet connection. Then, you will need a free Avery account in order to save, share, or reprint your projects later. Finally, if you’re printing yourself, then you will need a laser or inkjet printer connected to your device and the printable Avery product of your choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As far as the type of printer goes, you can print Avery products on most desktop or office printers. The most important thing is to match the type of labels, cards, or tags to the type of printer you have. For example, labels marked “Laser” should only be used with a laser printer, and labels marked “Inkjet” should only be used with an inkjet printer. Using the wrong label with your printer can result in prints that smudge, smear, and never seem to dry or “set,” so it’s super important. As a matter of fact, we wrote a whole article about the kinds of printers to use for printing labels<\/a> just to set the record straight, and the information in that article also applies to cards and tags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t have a printer or don’t want to bother printing, we can also print for you. Our WePrint service uses professional digital printers, and orders ship in as few as three business days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Print this design yourself on 7-17\/20″ x 1-3\/4″ wraparound labels by the package<\/a> (22838)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, print it on the same labels available by the sheet (94232)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow long does onboarding take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1) Shop for items: what a welcome kit should include<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Welcome\/onboarding kit ideas by category<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create custom stickers in minutes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Pick a container: how you will present onboarding kit items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>
3) Personalize welcome kit items with labels and tags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Supplies you will need for personalizing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Free welcome kit templates you can quickly customize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>
<\/a><\/figure>