Early Impressions at Work: They’re Bigger Than You Think
You’ve heard the phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” right?
Turns out, it's especially true in the workplace.
According to Glassdoor, organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Yet, nearly 88% of employees say their onboarding experience was subpar or inconsistent.
That’s a huge missed opportunity — especially in today’s hybrid work culture, where connection is harder to create organically.
When new employees walk in (or log in) for the first time, they’re trying to answer:
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Does this company care about me as a person?
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Am I valued here?
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Will I fit in?
Cue the onboarding kit.
Onboarding Kits: More Than Just “Welcome Swag”
Sure, a box filled with branded gear feels fun — but the best onboarding kits go far beyond that. They signal that your company is intentional, thoughtful, and committed to the employee experience.
Here’s what a well-crafted onboarding kit does:
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Builds emotional connection to your brand and mission
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Reinforces company values and culture
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Creates a shared experience across departments or regions
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Gives employees a sense of belonging and pride from day one
And let’s be honest — everyone loves a good unboxing moment. Who wouldn’t want to open a gift on their first day of work?
“The onboarding experience sets the tone for an employee’s entire lifecycle with your company. When done right, it communicates value, identity, and inclusion.”
— Dr. Talya Bauer, Professor of Management & Author of Onboarding New Employees
The Psychology of Belonging: Why Culture Starts with a Box
Here’s the thing — company culture doesn’t begin at the team retreat or the first performance review. It starts with how you welcome people.
When employees receive a branded onboarding kit — maybe one with a hoodie they’ll wear on team Zoom calls, a handwritten welcome note from their manager, or a tumbler they use daily — it roots them in something bigger than themselves.
Belonging is a basic human need. According to a study by BetterUp, employees who feel a strong sense of belonging report a 56% increase in job performance and a 50% drop in turnover risk.
What Makes a Great Onboarding Kit?
The secret? A thoughtful balance of utility, personality, and purpose. Your goal is to provide items that are:
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Useful for their day-to-day
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A reflection of your brand and culture
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Personalized enough to feel meaningful
Practical Kit Ideas to Inspire Your Next New Hire Experience
Whether you're onboarding remote employees, office-based hires, or hybrid teams, your kit should feel like a thoughtful extension of your company — not just a handful of items with a logo slapped on.
Here are a couple of curated kit ideas to get your wheels turning:
1. Welcome Aboard!
HR’s Favorite Box
You’ve just added a new member to your team — and you want to get the relationship off to a strong start. A branded welcome box shows them you care and that they’re stepping into a company that’s excited to have them.
Almost 10% of new hires leave within the first 90 days because they don’t feel like a cultural fit. A well-timed, thoughtful onboarding kit helps set the tone before doubt can creep in.
What’s inside:
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Moleskine® Cahier Ruled Journal – Sleek and professional, ideal for meeting notes or daily journaling
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Softex Dash Pen – A smooth-writing favorite with a clean, comfortable design
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17 oz. Dash Tumbler – Double-wall acrylic with a matching straw and rubberized finish — a favorite for staying hydrated throughout the day
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Custom welcome card – A personal note from the team or CEO makes a bigger impact than you’d think
This kit feels clean, professional, and thoughtful — perfect for most industries and roles.
2. Onboarding in Style
The Modern, Design-Forward Kit
For creative teams, startups, or companies that care about aesthetics, this box delivers an experience that feels elevated and personal.
What’s inside:
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Stanley/Stella Crewneck Sweatshirt – Soft, sustainable, and easily customized to your brand’s vibe
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Fellow Coffee Mug – Sleek, premium, and guaranteed to be your new hire’s favorite desk mug
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Belkin BoostCharge 2-in-1 Wireless Charger – High-tech, foldable, and functional — ideal for desks and travel
This kit makes a stylish impression and helps position your company as thoughtful, modern, and invested in the employee experience.
Onboarding with brandbox: Branded Kits That Build Belonging
At brandbox, we don’t just pack boxes — we help companies craft meaningful experiences. From product curation to custom packaging and fulfillment, we build onboarding kits that reflect your brand, engage new hires, and support long-term employee success.
We source top-quality, on-brand items that employees will actually use and appreciate — all while handling the logistics from start to finish.
Explore:
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The Focus Hour brandbox — Keep your team inspired and in the zone with a productivity-first kit
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The Back to Work brandbox — Practical tools designed to ease the transition back to in-person or hybrid work
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Build Your Own Box — Full flexibility to curate your own onboarding experience
No matter your company size or industry, we’ll help you make the kind of first impression that sticks.
Start here to create your onboarding kit.
A Fresh Start That Lasts
If you're serious about building a strong company culture and keeping your talent engaged, don’t overlook the power of the first few days. Thoughtful onboarding kits aren’t fluff — they’re foundational.
They:
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Communicate care and attention
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Reinforce your values and mission
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Drive belonging, motivation, and morale
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Help reduce early turnover
In an era where connection is harder to build — but more important than ever — onboarding kits deliver real results.
Ready to get started?
Let brandbox help you turn “Welcome to the team” into something they’ll never forget. Visit buildbrandbox.com to explore your options or chat with an expert.