What is a Welcome packet?

Q: What should be included in a welcome packet?

Essential items include: welcome letter , employee handbook , key policies, first-day instructions, organisational chart, key contacts, IT setup information, and any required forms. Consider adding branded items or gifts.

Q: Should welcome packets be physical or digital?

Digital is more practical for most content - easily updated, searchable, accessible remotely. Physical elements (branded items, welcome gifts) add a personal touch. Many organisations use a hybrid approach.

Q: When should new employees receive their welcome packet?

Ideally before their first day, so they can review information in advance. This reduces first-day overwhelm and shows preparation. At minimum, provide it on day one.

Q: How do you keep welcome packet information current?

Digital formats make updates easier. Assign ownership to someone in HR or operations. Review quarterly or when policies change. Outdated information is worse than no information - it creates confusion.

Q: What is the difference between a welcome packet and employee handbook?

The welcome packet is broader - it includes the handbook plus first-day logistics, contacts, gifts, and practical getting-started information. The handbook focuses specifically on policies and procedures.

Updated 31 Jan 2026 • 5 min read

A welcome packet (also called an onboarding pack or new starter pack) is a collection of materials provided to new employees when they join an organisation. It typically includes essential information, documents, resources, and sometimes branded items to help newcomers get started and feel welcome.

Understanding welcome packet

A welcome packet gives new employees everything they need to get started. It reduces first-day anxiety by providing essential information upfront and shows that the organisation is prepared and welcoming. Good welcome packets make onboarding smoother.

Welcome packet purposes

Provide essential information
Reduce first-day anxiety
Show preparation and welcome
Set up for success

Delivery formats

Digital (email, portal)
Physical folder/binder
Gift box with items
Hybrid approach

What to include

Welcome packet essentials

Welcome letter: Personal message from manager or leadership

First day information: When, where, who to ask for, what to bring

Employee handbook: Policies, procedures, expectations

Organisational info: Structure, key people, departments

IT setup: Logins, systems access, tech support contacts

Required forms: Tax, superannuation, emergency contacts

Optional additions:

Company swag: Branded items (t-shirt, mug, notebook)
Welcome gifts: Small gifts to make first day special
Team information: Who they'll be working with
Local info: Parking, lunch spots, facilities
Culture content: Values, history, "how we do things"

Keep it manageable

Too much information overwhelms new starters. Include essentials in the packet and make detailed content findable later. They don't need to read 100 pages before day one - just enough to feel prepared.

Best practices

Content

Focus on essentials
Make it welcoming, not just procedural
Include personal touches
Keep information current

Delivery

Send before first day
Use digital for easy access
Add physical items for impact
Make it easy to find later

Common mistakes

Information overload

Dumping everything on new starters at once. They can't absorb it all and important things get missed. Prioritise what they need to know first.

Outdated content

Old policies, wrong contacts, outdated org charts. This creates confusion and signals poor organisation. Keep materials current or don't include them.

No personal touch

Generic packets that feel like they came from a template. A personal welcome letter and thoughtful additions make newcomers feel valued, not processed.

Key takeaways

Welcome packets provide essential information and make new employees feel prepared and welcomed. Focus on what they need to know first, keep content current, add personal touches, and deliver before day one where possible.

RosterElf's staff management software helps Australian businesses set up new employees with scheduling and time tracking as part of their onboarding.

Frequently asked questions

What should be included in a welcome packet?

Should welcome packets be physical or digital?

When should new employees receive their welcome packet?

How do you keep welcome packet information current?

What is the difference between a welcome packet and employee handbook?

Written by

Steve Harris

Steve Harris has spent over a decade advising businesses in hospitality, retail, healthcare, and other fast-paced industries on how to hire, manage, and retain great staff. At RosterElf, he focuses on sharing actionable advice for business owners and managers — covering everything from smarter interview techniques and compliance with Australian employment laws, to building positive workplace cultures.

How to implement in RosterElf

Step-by-step guides to set this up

setup

Customise employee onboarding process

Create digital welcome packets through RosterElf onboarding.

setup

Create and manage policies in HR Hub

Include essential policies in employee welcome packets.

Related resources

Explore more guides and definitions

Staff management software Employee management features Rostering software features Time and attendance tracking Employee onboarding Welcome letter Employee handbook New hire gifts

General information only – not legal advice

This glossary article about welcome packet provides general information about Australian employment law and workplace practices. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

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