Creating a Lasting First Impression in a Hybrid Workplace
Onboarding is more than just an administrative process; it’s the first real opportunity an organisation has to make new employees feel truly valued. As workplaces become increasingly hybrid or remote, ensuring new hires feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated from day one is more important than ever.
For companies like Larking Gowen, known for their inclusive, people-first culture, that welcome starts with a thoughtful gesture. In a world where many new joiners might never step foot in a physical office during their first week, even a small act of kindness can leave a big impression.
That’s why Larking Gowen partnered with Snack Packs to deliver personalised snack boxes to new trainees, a simple yet meaningful way to reinforce their values and prioritise well-being from the outset.
Why Thoughtful Onboarding Matters
According to research by Glassdoor, organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Yet, many companies overlook the emotional side of onboarding and how it feels to be a new employee.
Especially in remote first environments, new hires often experience a lack of connection or a sense of being “just another name on a spreadsheet.” That’s where personal gestures, like curated welcome gifts or custom snack boxes, can dramatically shift the tone and help build early engagement.
For companies looking to foster a sense of community and belonging, small acts of appreciation early in the employee journey go a long way.
The Rise of Personalised Corporate Gifting
In recent years, personalised corporate gifting has become a rising trend, especially for HR and People teams focused on wellness and inclusion. From handwritten welcome notes to eco-conscious gift boxes, companies are rethinking how they engage new starters.
Custom snack boxes, especially those that cater to dietary requirements, offer a perfect balance of personalisation and practicality. Unlike generic gifts, they reflect care, awareness, and the extra effort that leaves a lasting impression.
Notably, brands that prioritise personalised onboarding gifts often see better employer brand perception and improved word of mouth on platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Why Snacks Work: Practical, Inclusive, and Appreciated
Why do snack boxes work so well for onboarding?
- Inclusive by design: Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and other options make it easy to cater to all dietary needs.
- Universally appealing: Everyone enjoys discovering new tasty treats.
- Portable and practical: Whether remote or in the office, snack boxes travel well and don’t require extra effort from HR teams.
A well-packed snack box not only satisfies cravings, but can also be a subtle message that says: “We see you. We care.”
Client Spotlight: How Larking Gowen Used Snack Boxes to Elevate Onboarding
The following client case study has been approved and published with consent.
Onboarding new employees is more than just paperwork and training; it’s about creating a warm, welcoming experience that helps new team members feel valued from day one. Larking Gowen, known for its inclusive and people-first culture, has taken a unique approach by incorporating personalised snack boxes into their trainee onboarding process.
The Challenge
With new hires joining from different locations, Larking Gowen wanted to make sure that each trainee felt connected and appreciated, regardless of where they were based. Finding a solution that was both convenient and inclusive of various dietary needs was key to reinforcing their commitment to employee well-being.
The Solution
To support their onboarding initiative, Larking Gowen partnered with us to deliver vegan and gluten-free snack boxes to their new trainees. Each box was curated with a selection of delicious and nutritious snacks, offering a thoughtful way to welcome new team members while catering to different dietary preferences.
The Impact
The response from trainees was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the personalised touch, with one recipient mentioning how it made them feel instantly welcomed into the company. Jack, who looks after onboarding trainees, shared:
“The snack boxes were a hit! It was a simple yet meaningful way to make our new hires feel valued from the start. The process was smooth, and everything arrived perfectly, just what we needed to create a great first impression.”
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this initiative, Larking Gowen continues to explore ways to enhance their onboarding experience and make sure that new employees feel engaged and appreciated.
Conclusion
This collaboration highlights how small, thoughtful gestures can have a significant impact on employee engagement. We are thrilled to support Larking Gowen in their mission to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace and look forward to continuing this partnership.
How Companies Can Start Small with Onboarding Gifts
If you’re an HR manager, office administrator, or business owner looking to improve your onboarding experience, here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Send a welcome email and a personalised message from the team.
- Include a curated snack box as their welcome pack.
- Invite them to a casual virtual coffee with teammates.
- Create a first-day checklist that includes fun, not just functions.
Each of these steps builds a more human experience, something every new hire deserves.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re onboarding one employee or one hundred, the little things matter. As Larking Gowen has shown, a simple snack box can help set the tone for an inclusive, welcoming, and memorable experience.
Ready to create a lasting first impression?
👉 Explore our corporate snack box options or get in touch to customise your own onboarding gift solution today.