Beyond the Welcome Kit: How Gift Cards Elevate Employee Onboarding

Starting a new job is a pivotal moment filled with excitement, nerves, and high expectations. For organizations, the onboarding process is a critical opportunity to make a lasting first impression and set the tone for a new hire’s journey. While paperwork and training are essential, the most memorable onboarding experiences are those that make employees feel genuinely welcomed and valued. One simple yet powerful way to achieve this is by incorporating gift cards into your onboarding strategy.

The Power of First Impressions in Onboarding

Research consistently shows that a positive onboarding experience can boost employee retention by up to 82% and increase productivity by over 70%. The first days and weeks are when new hires form their initial opinions about company culture, values, and whether they feel like they belong. Small, thoughtful gestures—like a personalized gift card—can go a long way in making someone feel seen, appreciated, and excited to be part of the team.

Why Gift Cards Work: Flexibility and Personalization

Gift cards are more than just a perk; they’re a flexible, meaningful way to show appreciation. Unlike generic company swag, gift cards offer choice and personalization. They empower new hires to pick something they truly want or need, whether it’s a coffee to start their first day, lunch with a new colleague, or supplies for their home office.

Key benefits of using gift cards in onboarding:

• Personalization: Gift cards can be tailored to individual preferences, making the gesture feel thoughtful and unique.
• Immediate Utility: New hires can use gift cards right away, whether for a meal, office supplies, or a treat.
• Emotional Impact: A well-timed gift card communicates trust and appreciation, helping new employees feel valued from day one.

Assembly’s Gift Card Program: Transforming Onboarding

Assembly’s soon-to-launch gift card program makes it easier than ever for companies to integrate gifting into their onboarding process. Here’s what sets Assembly apart:

• Free to Sign Up: The first tier of Assembly is free, and gift card features are included in all paid plans.
• Self-Service Gifting: Send a 1:1 gift and card for free, or send a card to a group (with one sender) for free.
• Automated Gifting: For larger teams, automated gifting can be set up by talking to Assembly’s sales team.
• E-Cards & Kudo Boards: Create customizable e-cards or kudo boards that teams can sign and send via email or text, adding a collaborative and celebratory touch.
• Diverse Categories: Choose from thank you, retirement, birthday, anniversary, congratulations, marriage, and more.
• Flexible Gifting Options: Send money for the recipient to choose from Assembly’s catalog, restrict spending to certain categories, or curate specific rewards.
• Delightful Receiving Experience: Recipients get their gift via text or email, complete with animations to celebrate the moment. They can even send a thank you back to the sender.

Creative Ways to Use Gift Cards for New Hires

1. Pre-Boarding Welcome: Send a digital coffee shop card before the start date, letting new hires know you’re excited for their arrival.
2. First-Day Lunch: Provide a gift card for a local restaurant or food delivery, encouraging them to take a break and recharge.
3. Home Office Setup: For remote employees, offer a stipend via gift card for office supplies or decor.
4. Team Connection: Use Assembly’s kudo board to let the whole team send welcome messages and signatures, paired with a gift card.
5. First-Week Celebration: Mark the end of the first week with a congratulatory e-card and a small gift card for entertainment or self-care.

Best Practices for Onboarding with Gift Cards

• Personalize the Message: Always include a warm, handwritten note or a personalized e-card. A simple “We’re glad you’re here!” can make a big difference.
• Choose the Right Gift: Consider the new hire’s preferences, location, and needs. Assembly’s catalog makes it easy to find something for everyone.
• Integrate with Onboarding Kits: Pair gift cards with welcome kits or company swag for a comprehensive experience.
• Be Timely: Send the gift card at key moments—before the start date, on the first day, or after the first week.
• Ensure Inclusivity: Offer options that are accessible and meaningful to all employees, regardless of background or location.

Measuring the Impact

Track the success of your onboarding program by gathering feedback from new hires, monitoring retention rates, and comparing engagement levels before and after implementing gift card gifting. Assembly’s platform makes it easy to automate, personalize, and scale your gifting strategy, ensuring every new hire feels valued from day one.

Ready to Make Your Onboarding Unforgettable?

Gift cards are a simple, cost-effective way to show new hires they matter. With Assembly’s free-to-sign-up platform and robust gifting features, you can create memorable moments that set the stage for long-term success.

Schedule a demo with Assembly today and discover how easy it is to transform your onboarding experience!

FAQs

How can gift cards improve the employee onboarding experience?

Gift cards add a personal, welcoming touch to onboarding, making new hires feel appreciated and valued. They offer flexibility and choice, helping employees settle in and feel part of the team from day one.

What types of gift cards are best for new hires?

The best gift cards are those that offer variety and personalization, such as coffee shops, restaurants, office supply stores, or platforms like Assembly that let recipients choose from a wide catalog.

Can I automate gift card sending for new employees?

Yes! Platforms like Assembly allow you to automate gifting for new hires, ensuring timely and consistent delivery of welcome gifts as part of your onboarding process.

Is Assembly’s gift card program free to use?

Assembly’s gift card program is free to sign up for, with 1:1 and group gifting included in all paid plans. Automated gifting is available by contacting their sales team.