Ways to Make New Employees Feel Welcome From Day One
Last Updated: 16 June 2026
Key Points
- Good onboarding starts before day one with clear communication, organised schedules, and proper preparation.
- Practical welcome packs, natural introductions, and supportive communication help new employees feel included faster.
- Our account managers suggest keeping onboarding merchandise useful, comfortable, and professionally branded so employees actually enjoy using it.
Starting a new job is exciting, but it can also feel a bit uncomfortable and overwhelming. Many companies put a lot of effort into recruitment, but sometimes overlook the onboarding process. First impressions, though, often shape how employees feel about a business in the long run. In this blog, I will explain why onboarding matters for companies, the common mistakes HR professionals make during this time, and how you can help your new employees feel comfortable.
Good Onboarding Starts Before Day One
Many businesses only start preparing once the employee arrives. The best onboarding experiences often begin before the employee’s first day. This might include:
- welcome emails
- introduction schedules
- team announcements
- workstation preparation
- clear onboarding plans
- starter resources
Employees feel more confident when they know what to expect before their first day. That’s why we at Cubic Promote make sure to take note of every little detail when we welcome a new team member. Knowing where to park, who to meet, and what the schedule is can make things much less stressful.
Make Introductions Feel Natural
A common onboarding mistake is giving new employees too much information all at once. New starters often meet:
- multiple departments
- different managers
- unfamiliar systems
- internal processes
- company terminology
Instead of rushing, spread onboarding over the first few weeks to give new employees a better experience. It also helps to create chances for natural conversations. This could include:
- team lunches
- coffee catch-ups
- mentoring systems
- informal introductions
- buddy programs
People settle in faster when they feel included, not just like they are going through HR paperwork.
Clear Communication Reduces Anxiety
Many onboarding frustrations stem from unclear communication. New employees often hesitate to ask questions because they do not want to appear inexperienced. That’s why it’s important to keep communication approachable during onboarding. The same idea applies when working with employees inside the company. People feel more comfortable when:
- expectations are clear
- processes are organised
- communication feels supportive
- Questions are encouraged
Company Culture Is Built Through Small Experiences
Many businesses talk about workplace culture, but employees usually judge it based on their daily experiences. For example:
- how people communicate
- How organised onboarding feels
- whether managers are approachable
- How supported employees feel early on
These experiences help people decide if they truly feel welcome. If onboarding feels chaotic, it can make people think the whole business is disorganised.
Why Welcome Packs Work So Well
Wendy Li, one of our account managers, believes that branded onboarding packs help make a new team member feel welcome. In fact, she mentioned that most brands in Australia she has worked with always pre-order this to make sure they have one to hand out to their new employees. Getting useful items on the first day helps new employees feel part of the team more quickly. Some common onboarding products include:
The most important thing is that the items are practical. Employees are far more likely to appreciate products they can genuinely use throughout their workday. For example, when I casually asked Ariane, one of our account managers, what merch she would use. Her answer? Skullcandy headphones for work and listening to music.
Avoid Overbranding Everything
Some businesses make the mistake of putting large logos on every item. Minimalist branding usually feels more professional. Katherine Durham always recommends going minimal, especially if it’s an onboarding kit or corporate gift (cheeseboards, etc.). For example:
- a comfortable hoodie with clean embroidery
- a high-quality notebook
- premium drinkware
These items often feel much more valuable than products covered in big logos. Employees are more likely to use products that are professional and practical.
Remote and Hybrid Teams Need Extra Attention
Onboarding remote employees can be even more challenging because they miss casual workplace interactions. For hybrid teams, welcome packs are often even more important because they help people feel connected, even when they are not in the same place. Some businesses now send:
- home office kits
- branded tech accessories
- welcome boxes
- work-from-home essentials
For Cubic Promote, we always make sure our overseas team has custom polo shirts, with a one-colour print, to make them feel part of the team.
Organisation Matters Behind the Scenes
Good onboarding also needs careful coordination behind the scenes. This includes preparing your onboarding packs early, coordinating with the different departments, and ensuring that all the items in the pack look good. When you partner with a reliable supplier like Cubic Promote, we not only supply these packs but also offer kitting services. Rather, we have a team of experienced account managers like Katherine and Ariane, ready to manage your order and ensure your logo looks good and that they arrive right on time.
