Your company’s onboarding process may seem like a minor admin task that bears little significance to the success of your business but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although an onboarding process fulfils many practical and legal requirements, such as completing paperwork and setting up workstations, it also goes a long way in building a relationship with new starters.
In a recent report by CareerBuilder, it was revealed that 93% of employers believe that onboarding plays a critical role in an employee’s decision to stay or leave the company. This is absolutely true. A good onboarding experience improves long-term job satisfaction by more than 2.6 times, and we know that this leads to higher productivity, more engaged workers and a pleasant work environment overall.
Plus, higher employee retention rates can save businesses hundreds of thousands of pounds each year because they don’t have to spend money on recruiters, placing job advertisements, conducting interviews etc.
Since first impressions matter when it comes to new employees in the workplace, businesses need to carefully consider how they welcome new starters and create an efficient and impactful onboarding process.
Gifting employees with branded products on their first day is a simple yet effective way of creating a sense of belonging, showing that you value them and helping with morale and engagement from day one.
There are many options when it comes to company-branded products, but practicality is a good place to start when thinking about which promotional gifts would work well for newcomers.
When you provide a new employee with items that they need in order to do their work, or that would make their their work life more comfortable, you alleviate some of their first day anxiety and show them that you are here to support them. This builds trust and creates a positive first impression.
Some good examples of employee merchandise gifts that are useful for new employees include, printed pens, printed mousemats and printed coasters. These items enable employees to create a functional and comfortable workspace while instilling a sense of community and belonging.
You could also look at investing in promotional gifts that will advertise your brand outside of the workplace. This still allows you to build that strong relationship with new starters but has the added value of acting as a marketing tool for your brand since your logo and company name will be on display to all those who encounter the logo impression outside the office.
Another important benefit of company merchandise for new employees is the sense of community and inclusivity that it helps foster. By gifting them with company printed products, you show them that the business values and appreciates them. There is also a feeling of camaraderie when everyone in the organisation has their own branded mug, for example, or corporate clothing that they can wear from time to time.
This is even more important for hybrid or remote workers, who may find it more difficult to build that sense of belonging or feel part of a business culture when they are not going into a workplace every day surrounded by their colleagues. Even the smallest gesture, such as a printed notebook, can make them feel like they are truly part of a team.
For example, printed laptop bags and company backpacks will be worn on the commute to and from work, and custom water bottles have the potential to be carried around and used in several places outside of work. This helps build brand awareness in a cost-effective and subtle way.
If you’re feeling a little unsure or stuck about where to start when it comes to selecting the right company branded products for your new employees, here are some things to consider
Hybrid and remote working has become very much the norm for a lot of workplaces so the approach towards branded products has to take these new ways of working into consideration.
When working from home, employees have different needs than, say, an office-based worker, so custom technology or branded stationery could be a great option. The branded element allows them to easily set up an office at home while still feeling part of a team.
Branded products can be that much more powerful when they are tailored to the values of your brand, niche, or industry. For example, a software company that creates printed power banks for its employees or an estate agency that provides branded company keyrings for its team as a welcome gift.
This creativity and playfulness can make a lasting impression and strengthen your branding.
Ultimately, you are able to achieve three things with printed products - create a positive work environment, enhance your brand and market your business to the masses.
When you invest in branded merchandise that is valuable for the recipient, aligns with your products or services and can be used outside of the workplace then you can accomplish all three goals. Great examples include logo metal bottles and company bags
Sustainability is an extremely important factor when investing in any sort of promotional product because, if we are talking about making a good first impression, new employees will notice and appreciate eco-friendly merchandise, giving them a positive image of your company values.
Thankfully, plenty of eco-friendly promotional product options are on the market as we shift toward a more eco-conscious society. You could opt for branded products made from sustainable materials, such as recycled notebooks and laptop bags made out of RPET, or you could invest in reusable promo items that promote sustainable practices, like custom water bottles.
At The Branded Company, we specialise in elevating your employee engagement through exceptional promotional gifts. By partnering with us, you can ensure your team feels valued and appreciated with company gifts that not only impress but resonate with your company’s ethos.
Our extensive range of branded products ensures every employee receives a thoughtful and memorable item that strengthens their connection to your brand. From customised office essentials to innovative tech accessories, our gifts cater to diverse tastes, providing practical and lasting reminders of your appreciation.
With a deep understanding of employee recognition and corporate culture, our dedicated team offers personalised solutions tailored to your specific needs. We handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on fostering a positive work environment, while we take care of the finer details.
Choose us for a professional and comprehensive service that guarantees your employee engagement efforts are a resounding success.
Whether you need promotional gifts delivered directly to employees’ homes or distributed at the office, we’ve got you covered. Let’s create an exceptional experience together!
Written by Muzi - Account Manager At The Branded Company
Tel: 0116 298 2555
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The Branded Company, Unit D14, Leicester Business Centre,
111 Ross Walk, Leicester, LE4 5HH, United Kingdom