As the economy expands and more jobs become available, employees have become more concerned about finding a workplace that feels like home to them. Giving your new employee a welcome gift will help you make a great first impression on them – and hopefully, it will encourage them to give their best performance from the start.
Here are tips on how to choose the best welcome gift for your new hires:
Make it personal!
It’s best to give a personalized gift, especially one that they can use in relation to their role. For example, someone in marketing might really love a sketchbook or journal for their ideas whereas your new HR assistant would genuinely appreciate a cute organizer.
Eco-friendly is the way forward.
Many companies nowadays are highly conscious of their carbon footprint. Aside from being more environmentally friendly, it also boosts the company’s moral image in the eyes of its employees. It’s hard not to root for a boss who is actively trying to improve the environment.
Use your name!
Find a useful item and print your company’s brand and logo on it. It won’t just serve as a heartwarming welcome gift but it can also be a way to market your brand to others when they see your employee using it.
Include everyone.
Try your best to find gifts that are gender-neutral, non-political, and acceptable in all cultures. It may sound hard at first, especially if you’re completely unaware of what might be offensive in another person’s culture, but this one truly pays off. It helps send a message to your employees that your company is not racist or bigoted in any way.
Now that you know what kind of gifts you should be looking for, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Company apparel
Get a professional designer to help you print your company logo on a t-shirt or hoodie. Use material that’s wrinkle-free and comfy to wear, so your employees will have no choice but to reach for it whenever they can. It doesn’t have to be a uniform, but if you do it right, they might just end up wearing it every day.
2. Mental health kit
More and more people are becoming aware of the detrimental effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health problems don’t just affect a person’s work, but all aspects of their life. Let your new hires know that you take their mental health just as seriously as their physical health. You could put together a custom mental health kit containing a journal, fidget toys, scented candles, stuffed toys, and a handwritten note for encouragement.
3. Snacks
Who doesn’t love to snack, right? You could go a step further and ask your new hires to indicate their favorite snacks on their employee profile. That way, you can surprise them with it on their first day on the job.
4. Office equipment
It doesn’t have to be a brand new computer. Little things like a cord organizer or a set of pens and sticky notes can make their transition so much more exciting.
5. Beverage-themed gifts
A coffee tumbler that can hold both hot and cold beverages for a long period is always a crowd-pleaser. You can also give boxes of organic teas or comically large water bottles if you prefer a more health-conscious approach. If all else fails, stick your logo on a mug and give it as a gift. People will always need good, sturdy mugs.
6. Umbrella
Some people may take them for granted, but there will come a time when they will certainly come in handy. Umbrellas aren’t the most exciting of gifts, but they are indeed among the most useful.
7. Team Welcome Box
Ask your existing employees to name one item that would make them feel welcome on their first day. Compile all suggestions in one box and have them hand it over to their newest team member. It helps to cultivate feelings of camaraderie early on. Also, it saves you some time trying to think of what to get.
8. Picture frames
Give your new employee a chance to personalize their space with a set of picture frames. Seeing something familiar at work may help them overcome any anxiety or shyness they might harbor.
9. Books
What kind of book? Well, that would depend on what kind of business you’re in, what services you offer, and which department your new hire will be in. Give them a book that’s relevant to their job. Even if your employee is just working as everyone’s assistant, you can empower them to look ahead with a brilliantly-written book on success.
10. Fitness gear
A gym membership would be excellent, but a gym bag and accessories will still get the message across. Let your employees know that you want them to stay fit and healthy with a fitness-themed welcome gift.
11. Spa sessions
Don’t be too concerned that your newest employee already wants to rest on his first day. After all, starting a new job and adjusting to an unfamiliar environment can be stressful for anyone. Reward their composure with a paid spa day or therapy session – it’s a gift they won’t forget anytime soon.
12. Anti-theft backpack
Your young, naive new hire has enough troubles going on. Give them the gift of peace of mind with a sleek, anti-theft backpack. Splurge on a durable, waterproof one so that it will last them for ages. Get yourself one, too.
13. Home office lap desk
If your employees are working from home, you won’t be able to get them a comfy chair or elegant office set-up. The next best thing is to give them a home office lap desk to make them comfortable enough to focus on their work.
14. Lumbar support pillow
Speaking of comfort, too many people are hunched over their desks and getting back pains at such a young age. Help prevent the spread of back pain with a sturdy lumbar support pillow for your employees.
Perhaps the best advice would be to get your employee something that you would personally use. It doesn’t have to have an enormous price tag – a thoughtful gift given with a sincere intention will find its way to the heart.