While remote working is here to stay, many businesses still have a long learning curve to ensure remote workers feel cared for. This is where it becomes essential to plan for the onboarding of your remote employees. This is a critical aspect of integrating new team members into your organization.
How do you think you could best onboard employees who are not physically present? The key is establishing a robust remote onboarding program with a remote companion and a clear orientation structure. However, onboarding is only the start.
It's equally important to go beyond the basics and make remote employees feel like valued team members. One impactful way to achieve this is by preparing a thoughtfully curated welcome gift hamper. Welcome gifts can include equivalent presents or services that employees who work from your premises would benefit from.
Branded Stationery: Essential Kit for Productivity
Despite working digitally, most remote employees continue to use stationary to take notes, scramble down ideas, or plan their days. So, you want to include branded stationery in the welcome hamper to make sure you can cover their needs. What items should you send: Notepads, a special gel pen/pens, post-it notes, planners, wall planners, and stickers are some of the preferred items among remote workers. These can create a cohesive work environment and foster a sense of belonging among remote employees. The branded stationery acts as a tangible representation of their connection to the organization, even from a distance.
Essential Office Decor: Personalizing Remote Workspaces
You can enhance the remote workspace with essential office decor items. A branded mug is a no-brainer, but you can consider other elements that will enhance their workspace, such as a scented candle with fragrance options to choose from and a quality print-out of one of the art pieces displayed in your headquarters. These little touches can contribute to a personalized and comfortable environment.
You can also join a voucher for office furniture with selected partners, allowing employees to invest in items like a standing desk or ergonomic chair.
Remote Essential Items: Practical Comfort for Remote Work
Please make sure remote employees have the essential items for a comfortable workday.
Remote work essentials can include a flask to take their drink on the go, a pack of coffee or tea based on their preferences, and a voucher for a grocery delivery subscription. There’s more than enough to cater to their daily needs.
These items make remote work more convenient and showcase the organization's commitment to supporting their well-being.
Health Essentials: Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
Finally, you want to show your commitment to the health and well-being of remote employees by including health essentials in the gift hamper.
For example, you could add outdoor favorites, such as a beanie or scarf in brand colors. Additionally, a local gym membership discount encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Your remote employees will love a thoughtfully planned gift hamper that goes beyond the traditional onboarding process and makes them feel welcome. To ensure your gift hamper is a winner every single time, you may want to clarify each employee’s preferences ahead of time, such as checking whether they are a coffee or a tea drinker and presenting them with a choice of options for their office decor.
These gestures can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere for remote team members.