Top 3 New Employee Onboarding Boxes
What is New Employee Onboarding?
New employee onboarding is the process of integrating a newly hired employee into an organization, helping them acclimate to their role, team, and company culture. It typically begins after a job offer is accepted and can extend over the first few weeks or months of employment. The goal is to set employees up for success by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to perform effectively and feel engaged.
Key components often include:
Orientation: Introducing company policies, values, mission, and structure. This is vital so that the client knows what your company stands for and how you expect them to act and to represent your company going forward.
Training: Providing role-specific skills, tools, and system access. This can be overwhelming for a new employee so it’s important to check how they are getting on in real time and let them know they can ask as many questions as they need to.
Integration: Facilitating connections with colleagues, teams, and mentors. This is such an important part of the role and something that often gets missed with remote working. Connecting with colleagues not only allows the new employee to forge new friendships, it is also vital for work. They will know they can approach coworkers to assist them while they are training.
Expectations: Clarifying job responsibilities, goals, and performance metrics. If this is established at the beginning of a new role, it makes things a lot easier.
Support: Offering resources like handbooks, FAQs, or check-ins to address questions. Manuals of any kind are always very helpful for new employees as they can read them in their own time and at their own pace.
Effective onboarding boosts productivity, retention, and job satisfaction by reducing confusion and building confidence. It’s not just paperwork—it’s about creating a welcoming experience that aligns the employee with the organization’s vision and workflow. Some companies use digital platforms or apps to streamline tasks like form submissions or training modules, while others emphasize in-person mentorship and team-building. The approach varies based on company size, industry, and culture.
Why give a new employee an Onboarding Box?
Some companies provide onboarding boxes—also called welcome kits or swag boxes—as part of the new employee onboarding process to create a positive first impression, foster a sense of belonging, and reinforce company culture. These boxes typically contain branded items, practical tools, or personal touches tailored to the employee or organization. Here’s why they’re used:
1.Engagement
The boxes make employees feel very welcome and excited about joining the new company. It makes them feel valued and welcomed from day one. Many employees share their box online and the contents inside make them feel part of a club.
2. They reinforce company culture:
Branded items like notebooks, mugs, or apparel showcase the company’s identity, values, or personality, helping employees feel connected to the mission.
3.They create a memorable experience:
A thoughtfully curated box stands out compared to standard paperwork or emails, leaving a lasting impression and setting a positive tone.
4.They support remote or hybrid workers:
For employees not in a physical office, onboarding boxes bridge the gap, providing a physical connection to the company and ensuring they feel included.
5.Practical utility:
Boxes often include work essentials like tech accessories, office supplies, or guides, helping employees hit the ground running.For example, a tech startup might include a sleek water bottle, a hoodie with the company logo, and a handwritten welcome note, while a larger firm might add a laptop sleeve or wellness items like stress balls. The contents vary, but the intent is to make new hires feel appreciated and part of the team. It’s a small investment that can boost morale and retention, especially in competitive job markets.
Here are the top 3 New Employee Onboarding Boxes
This is a popular box as it contains everything a new employee will need to get started. The combination of a notebook, pen, tumbler, and water bottle strikes a balance between practicality, branding, and emotional impact, making it an effective way to welcome new employees. They have a universal appeal and make a good gift regardless of an employee’s role, industry, or preferences. Unlike tech gadgets or niche items, they don’t require specific knowledge or contexts to be appreciated.
They’re gender-neutral, inclusive, and practical for diverse workforces.
The Box Contains:
Notebook and pen:These are versatile tools for note-taking, brainstorming, or planning, useful in virtually any role. They encourage productivity and organization from the start.A quality notebook suggests the company values ideas.
Tumbler and water bottle: These cater to everyday needs—hydration and coffee/tea on the go. They’re functional for office, remote, or hybrid settings, aligning with modern workplace habits. Employees are likely to use these items regularly.A reusable tumbler or bottle shows commitment to sustainability, which resonates with many employees today.
Personal Note: This allows a company to write a personal message to welcome the new employee to the company.
Together, their combination creates a cohesive “starter kit” vibe, making new hires feel equipped and welcomed into the team.
Branding options:
Each item offers space for a company logo or slogan or design. You can mix and match items, select different colours and styles.
Sustainability of this box:
Sustainability is a big factor for employees and they want to work for companies who genuinely care about it and the environment. Reusable tumblers and bottles align with eco-conscious values, appealing to younger workers who prioritise environmental responsibility.
At Roody, we plant one tree for every item made so , for example, if ordering 4 items - we will plant 4 tress!
As the name suggests, this box is popular as it contains items that employees use everyday.
The onboarding box combination of a tote bag, tumbler, water bottle, pen, and lunchbox is popular because it offers a practical, versatile, and thoughtful mix that enhances the new employee experience while reinforcing company branding and values. This specific set appeals to modern workplace needs and cultural trends, making it an effective welcome gesture.
The Box Contains:
Tote bag: A reusable tote is ideal for carrying work essentials like laptops, notebooks, or personal items, whether commuting to the office or working remotely. It’s a functional alternative to disposable bags, aligning with eco-conscious habits.
Tumbler and water bottle: These cater to hydration needs—tumblers for hot drinks like coffee or tea, and water bottles for cold drinks. They’re used daily, ensuring employees stay comfortable and refreshed.
Pen: A reliable pen is a small but essential tool for jotting notes, signing documents, or brainstorming, fitting seamlessly into any role.
Lunchbox: A reusable lunchbox encourages employees to bring meals, supporting cost-saving and healthy eating habits. It’s especially useful for office-based or hybrid workers who pack lunches. Together, these items form a “workday toolkit” that equips new hires for both professional and personal needs, making their transition smoother.The lunchbox, in particular, adds a unique touch, evoking care for daily routines, which can make employees feel seen and appreciated.
This set fosters a sense of belonging, especially for remote workers who might not have in-person onboarding, as it provides tangible ties to the company.
Branding options:
Each item offers ample space for a company logo, tagline, or custom design and they can be mixed and matched or selected in different colours.
Sustainability of this box:
Tote bags, tumblers, water bottles, and lunchboxes are reusable, signaling a commitment to reducing waste. This resonates with environmentally conscious employees.
One tree is planted for every item made.
This onboarding box is great for employees who will be working in the office.
The onboarding box combination of a mug, pen, notebook, lanyard and stickers is popular because it is a good mix of items that the employee will need when at work.
The Box Contains:
Notebook and pen: these are immediately useful for meetings, brainstorming, or jotting down ideas, supporting daily productivity.
Mug: employees love receiving these with the company logo as it makes them feel like a part of the team. serves as a go-to for coffee or tea, becoming a desk staple.
Lanyard: this provides a convenient way to carry ID badges or keys, especially in office settings and is very helpful item for a new employee to receive.
Stickers: these allow personalization of laptops, water bottles, or workspaces, encouraging small, practical expressions of individuality. It adds a bit of fun to the box. They add a playful element, inviting creativity and conversation (e.g., “Nice sticker—where’d you get it?”).
Branding options:
Each item offers space for a company logo, tagline, or custom design and they can be mixed and matched or selected in different colours.
Sustainability of this box:
One tree is planted for every item made.
Picture a new hire opening the box on their first day. The notebook and pen are ready for their first team meeting, the mug holds their morning coffee, the lanyard keeps their badge handy, and the stickers let them jazz up their laptop. It’s a mix of “we’ve got you covered” and “we’re excited you’re here,” which sets a positive tone.