Onboarding in 2026 looks very different from just a few years ago. With remote, hybrid, and in-office teams now working side by side, companies need onboarding experiences that feel consistent, meaningful, and culture-driven, no matter where someone logs in from. A well-thought-out onboarding kit can play a big role in shaping that first impression.

The right mix of items not only supports productivity but also helps new employees feel included from day one. Below, we explore how businesses can rethink their kits for today’s diverse working environments, along with gift ideas and trends shaping the future of onboarding.

Why Onboarding Kits Matter More in 2026

The expectations around onboarding have shifted. New hires want clarity, connection, and practical support, not generic merch or a stack of PDFs. Organisations, meanwhile, want to strengthen culture at scale, reduce time-to-productivity, and improve retention.

This is where a purposeful new hire pack comes in. When designed well, these packs:

• Reinforce your culture through thoughtful personal touches
• Help employees feel valued and welcomed
• Create consistency across multiple locations
• Reduce setup friction, especially for remote roles
• Signal that your organisation invests in its people

Research from 2025 highlights that onboarding quality directly influences employee well-being, role clarity, and even long-term retention. This is why companies are moving beyond basic welcome materials and choosing onboarding kits that combine functional tools, digital resources, and personalised touches.

Best Onboarding Kit Ideas for Remote Teams

Remote employees rely almost entirely on what arrives in their new hire kit because they cannot easily borrow equipment, ask a colleague for a spare cable, or walk over to IT. A strong remote-friendly welcome pack acts as a setup toolkit, a culture touchpoint, and a confidence booster. It should solve immediate pain points while also making the employee feel like they are part of something bigger than their home office.

Practical essentials

These items help remote hires create a reliable workspace from day one.

• High-quality webcam covers, tech pouches, or cable organisers: These small but practical tools help keep a remote desk tidy and secure. A clutter-free setup reduces early frustrations and helps new employees feel more in control during onboarding.
  
  
  
  
  
• Ergonomic desk tools like a laptop stand or compact keyboard: Many remote employees shift between different rooms or even work on the go. Ergonomic items prevent posture issues and improve long-term comfort, which shows you value their well-being.
  
  
• A branded mug or insulated drink bottle: Remote work often blurs the lines between home habits and work habits. Something as simple as a durable drink bottle or mug adds structure to their routine and reinforces your brand through everyday use.
  
  

Culture builders

Culture is one of the hardest things to transmit remotely, so these items create connection in ways digital onboarding alone cannot.

• A personalised welcome letter from their leader or team: This sets a warm tone and shows genuine effort. It also fills the void of hallway conversations and first-day greetings that remote hires miss out on.
  
  
• A “company culture handbook” filled with stories and values: Instead of a dry policy document, consider a visually engaging booklet that explains how your team works, celebrates wins, and collaborates. It helps remote hires understand not just the “what,” but the “why.”
  
  
• Stickers, pins, or small desk items that reflect your brand personality: These lightweight add-ons help employees signal, even subtly, that they are part of your organisation. Many remote workers enjoy decorating their workspace with items that make them feel connected.
  

Well-being add-ons

Remote work can be both empowering and overwhelming. Thoughtful wellness gifts encourage healthier daily habits.

• Herbal teas, reusable cups, or simple desk plants: These items act as reminders to pause, hydrate, or take micro-breaks, which is something many remote employees struggle with. They also brighten home setups and make the workspace feel more intentional and energising.
  
  

Best Onboarding Kits for Hybrid Teams

Hybrid employees navigate two worlds: the office and the home workspace. Their welcome kit needs to be versatile, lightweight, and designed for movement. A well-built hybrid kit helps them transition smoothly between environments and reduces the mental load that comes with constant switching.

Portable productivity items

These products support a more flexible routine and help employees stay organised all the time.

• Slim notebooks, compact umbrellas, or travel-friendly drinkware: Items that easily fit into a backpack or tote are essential for hybrid roles. They encourage readiness for unexpected meetings, weather changes, or last-minute office days.
  
  
  
• Tote bags or backpacks designed for commuting: A durable, well-structured bag sends a clear message: “We know your day has moving parts, and we’re helping you manage them.” Employees often use these daily, so they deliver strong brand visibility and practical value.
  
  
  
• Reusable lunch containers or cutlery sets: These support sustainable habits and reduce everyday friction for employees who may not know whether they’ll eat at the office or at home that day.
  
  

Items that support rhythm and routine

Hybrid work success relies heavily on consistency. These items help employees build daily habits that work in both settings.

• Dual-location desk accessories (e.g., two charging cables): One stays at home, and one stays at the office. No more scrambling to pack essentials every time they switch locations.
  
  
  
• A soft-shell jacket or outerwear for unpredictable weather: Useful for commutes, site visits, or office events. It adds functional value while reinforcing brand unity.
  
  
  
• A branded lanyard or access card holder: A simple but practical addition that keeps essential passes easy to access. It supports smoother on-site days and reinforces a sense of belonging.
  
  

Best Onboarding Kit Ideas for In-Office Teams

For employees working on-site, the new hire pack becomes a tangible introduction to the workspace and the team around them. Since in-office hires already have access to shared resources, the kit can focus more on enhancing their day-to-day experience and building early relationships.

Desk-friendly items

These items make their workstation feel like an inviting, personal base.

• Branded stationery, notebooks, and pens: Simple yet effective. Employees use them daily, and they reinforce consistency across teams.
  
  
  
• Mouse pads or wireless chargers: These add convenience and encourage an organised workspace. Small touches like these improve small moments throughout the day, something new hires appreciate when adjusting to a new environment.
  
  
  
• Desk organisers or reusable drinkware: These help employees settle in quickly and maintain a clean, functional desk, making the office feel like a comfortable place to work.
  
  

Team-building additions

These items support connection, the core strength of in-office work.

• Company-branded apparel for team events: Wearing team gear builds unity and creates an immediate sense of belonging. It’s practical for events, volunteer days, or casual Fridays.
  
  
  
• Stickers, badges, or lanyards: These small accessories help employees integrate into the social fabric of the office without feeling out of place.
  
  
  
• A “meet the team” booklet: This helps reduce first-week awkwardness. It includes faces, names, roles, and maybe even fun facts, making early interactions easier and less intimidating.
  

A future-ready onboarding kit is ultimately a reflection of how a company chooses to welcome people into its world. When the tools, the tone, and the experience feel intentional, new hires gain a clearer sense of what the organisation stands for and what kind of support they can expect moving forward.

As workplaces continue to evolve, the companies that treat onboarding as a designed experience will be the ones that build stronger trust, quicker engagement, and a more confident workforce from day one.

And if you're looking for a partner who can create thoughtful, brand-aligned welcome kits for your team, feel free to reach out to us.