They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. 

The recruitment process requires significant investment in time, energy and budget. Once you’ve found the right person, the onboarding experience becomes the next opportunity to build confidence, reinforce your company culture and demonstrate that they’ve made the right decision. 

A thoughtfully curated employee welcome pack is much more than a branded box of gifts. It’s a tangible representation of your organisation’s values, helping new starters feel connected, appreciated and ready to succeed from day one. 

Why employee welcome packs matter 

Starting a new role can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether employees are joining in the office or working remotely, a welcome pack immediately creates a sense of belonging. When carefully designed, welcome packs can: 

• Reinforce your company culture from the very first day. 
• Build excitement before an employee even logs on or walks through the door. 
• Help new starters feel valued and invested in. 
• Encourage pride in representing your brand. 
• Provide practical tools they’ll genuinely use every day. 

The most memorable welcome packs don’t focus on quantity, they focus on quality and usefulness. Products that become part of someone’s daily routine continue to generate positive brand impressions long after their first week. 

What should every employee welcome pack include? 

The best welcome packs balance practicality with personality. Every item should have a purpose while reflecting your organisation’s identity. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. A premium notebook – Every new employee needs somewhere to capture ideas, meeting notes and training information. Think about notebooks that are fully recyclable at the end of their life, or a notebook sleeve with refillable pads. 
2. A quality branded pen – A notebook deserves a pen that’s equally enjoyable to use. From an everyday BIC pen with a bio-based barrel, to a pen with a sensory element, which is more of a talking point, we have lots of options that have a lower environmental impact.
3. Reusable drinkware – A water bottle or thermal travel mug quickly becomes one of the most-used items in a welcome pack. We’re big fans of a 360 degree drinking mug and a recycled thermal bottle with a 650ml capacity.
4. Useful technology – Modern workplaces rely on technology, making tech accessories a welcome addition. A multi charging cable and powerbank will support hybrid and agile approaches to working.
5. Branded workwear – Wearable items are effective at making a new team member feel like part of the team. Outwear in the form of softshell jackets made from recycled materials are enduringly popular. Full colour printed lanyards are practical and have a great brand impact, in person and online. 

Curating a welcome pack that reflects your brand 

The strongest employee welcome packs don’t simply display a logo; they tell your brand’s story. Ask yourself: 

1. Are all items branded in a consistent and creative way?
2. Does every product support our brand values? 
3. Will recipients use these items regularly? 
4. Does the quality reflect the experience we want employees to have? 
5. Are we making sustainable choices wherever possible? 

Rather than filling a box with novelty items or edibles that will be gone in an instant, focus on products that become part of everyday working life. Practical gifts generate far greater long-term value than products that quickly find their way into a drawer. 

Let the experts handle the logistics 

Managing welcome packs across multiple offices, or for remote employees, can quickly become time consuming. 

Systematic supports organisations with the complete process, from sourcing products and creating branded visuals through to stock management, fulfilment and direct delivery. 

Packs can even be dispatched to employees’ homes, ensuring every new starter receives the same warm welcome wherever they’re based.