How can the lack of merch in onboarding reduce the motivation of new employees?

Onboarding sets the foundation for an employee’s experience in a company. A well-structured process helps new hires feel welcomed, engaged, and motivated. One often-overlooked element is corporate merchandise. Branded items may seem like a small detail, but they play a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging. In this article, we’ll explore how the absence of merch in onboarding can negatively impact motivation and why investing in it is worth it.

Psychological Impact of Feeling Valued

Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and anxiety. Employees step into an unfamiliar environment, unsure of how they will fit in. A well-thought-out onboarding experience helps ease this transition, and corporate merchandise plays a bigger role in this than it may seem.

Branded items, such as a company hoodie, a personalized notebook, or even a simple welcome card, immediately signal to the new hire that they are valued. These items are more than just gifts—they serve as a tangible representation of the company’s appreciation and a sign that the employee is now part of the team. Receiving a welcome kit creates an emotional connection, helping employees feel recognized from day one. It sets a positive tone and shows that the company invests in its people, even in the small details.

Without these branded items, the onboarding experience can feel transactional rather than welcoming. New hires may perceive their arrival as just another routine HR process rather than a significant moment for both them and the company. This lack of personal touch can make them feel like just another worker filling a role, rather than an important part of a larger mission. Over time, this can impact their motivation, engagement, and overall perception of the company culture.

Sense of Belonging and Team Connection

One of the biggest challenges for new employees is integrating into the company culture. In the first days and weeks, they are trying to understand how things work, who their colleagues are, and what the company stands for. A strong sense of belonging doesn’t just happen—it needs to be nurtured. Corporate merchandise plays a surprisingly effective role in this process.

Branded items like hoodies, notebooks, mugs, or even laptop stickers create an instant connection between the new hire and the organization. When employees receive these items, they don’t just get practical tools for work—they receive symbols of company identity. Wearing a company-branded hoodie or using a notebook with the company’s logo can foster a sense of unity, making the employee feel like part of something bigger. It subtly reinforces the idea: You belong here.

Without this, new employees may struggle to feel fully integrated into the culture. While they will still attend meetings, complete tasks, and communicate with colleagues, the emotional connection to the company might take longer to develop. They might feel like outsiders looking in, rather than valued team members from the start. This can lead to slower adaptation, reduced engagement, and even a weaker connection to the company’s mission and goals.

A small gesture—such as handing a welcome kit with thoughtfully chosen branded items—can make a big difference. It transforms onboarding from a formal HR process into a personal experience, helping new hires feel part of the team from day one.

Comparison with Companies That Do Provide Merch

In today’s competitive job market, companies are constantly looking for ways to attract and retain top talent. Many IT companies and startups understand the importance of a well-structured onboarding experience and invest in welcome kits as part of the process. These kits often include branded hoodies, water bottles, notebooks, and other useful items that make new hires feel valued and immediately connected to the company.

For employees who have previously worked at companies with strong onboarding programs, the absence of corporate merch can be noticeable—and disappointing. If their past employers provided well-thought-out welcome kits, they might subconsciously compare experiences. A new job is supposed to feel like a step forward, but if the onboarding experience lacks warmth and engagement, it can create a negative first impression.

This comparison is especially relevant in IT and startup environments, where company culture and employee experience are key differentiators. Many businesses in these industries use merch not just as a welcome gift, but as a tool to reinforce their brand identity and values. When a company skips this step, it risks being perceived as less people-focused or less invested in employee experience, even if that’s not the case.

A simple branded welcome kit doesn’t just make a new hire feel good—it also helps a company stay competitive in terms of employer branding. It’s a small effort with a big impact, ensuring employees start their journey on a positive note rather than feeling like something is missing.

Cost vs. Impact: Why It’s Worth the Investment

At first glance, skipping corporate merch in onboarding might seem like a reasonable way to cut costs. After all, providing branded hoodies, notebooks, or mugs requires a budget, and some companies may see it as an unnecessary expense. However, when considering the long-term impact on employee motivation, engagement, and retention, the cost of merch is minimal compared to the benefits it brings.

A well-designed welcome kit helps new employees feel valued and connected from day one. This sense of belonging boosts motivation, which in turn leads to higher engagement and productivity. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to take initiative, integrate into the team faster, and develop a stronger connection to the company’s mission. In contrast, when onboarding lacks these thoughtful touches, new hires may feel indifferent about their role, leading to lower enthusiasm and even increased turnover.

From a business perspective, the cost of replacing an employee is far greater than the price of a welcome kit. Recruiting, training, and onboarding a new hire take significant time and resources. If an employee feels disengaged early on, they may leave within the first few months, forcing the company to restart the hiring process. A simple branded gift can help prevent this by reinforcing positive emotions and making employees feel like they made the right choice in joining the company.

Ultimately, investing in corporate merch is not just about handing out free items—it’s about creating a positive first impression, strengthening company culture, and fostering long-term commitment. When employees feel welcomed and valued, they are more likely to contribute to the company’s success, making the initial investment in merch well worth it.

Skipping corporate merch in onboarding may seem like a cost-saving decision, but it can lead to lower motivation, weaker team connection, and slower adaptation. Branded items help new hires feel valued, reinforce company culture, and create a positive first impression. Investing in a simple welcome kit is a small effort that brings long-term benefits—stronger engagement, higher productivity, and a more connected workforce.