Why Smart Fintech Firms Are Going All-In on Epic Welcome Kits
The first day at a new job sets the tone for your entire experience with a company. We’ve all had that awkward first day, sitting alone at your desk, staring at a blank screen because IT hasn’t set up your login, wandering aimlessly to find the bathroom, and wondering if you’ve made a terrible mistake.
Fintech companies are waking up to the fact that first impressions matter, not just for customers but for employees too. Gone are the days when a branded pen and notepad counted as a warm welcome. Today’s forward-thinking financial companies use thoughtfully curated welcome kits to make new team members feel valued from day one.
Why Welcome Kits Matter More Than Ever
Finance companies can’t afford to waste the goodwill of excited new hires. Workplace culture research suggests you have about one day to maintain that initial enthusiasm before it gives way to cynicism if the onboarding experience falls flat.
The harsh reality is that many organisations unknowingly transform an excited, enthusiastic new employee into a jaded, disillusioned team member before they’ve even had their first company lunch. That initial magic of joining a new workplace can quickly disappear without proper attention to the onboarding experience.
For challenger banks and fintechs, already known for breaking the mould with their fresh approach and digital-first mindset, amazing welcome kits are a natural extension of their brand personality. They’re using designed onboarding experiences to show potential talent that their employee culture is just as creative as their customer experience.
How Digital Banks Are Leading the Way
App-based banks are pioneering clever approaches to employee welcome kits that reflect their fresh approach to banking.
Take Monzo, for example. Since their launch in 2015, they’ve built a reputation for invention in the banking sector. Their approach to employee onboarding mirrors their customer-centric philosophy.
Monzo has developed personalised welcome kits that include:
- Metal keyrings with individual engravings
- Custom clothing with fluorescent print details
- Personalised stainless water bottles
- Customised socks
- Branded baseball caps
What makes their approach special is the attention to ongoing employee recognition. They don’t stop at welcome kits; they extend the personal touch to work anniversaries with handwritten cards containing messages from team leaders.
Creating Ongoing Connections
The most effective employee welcome strategies don’t end after the first day. The new finance companies are creating ongoing touchpoints that strengthen employee and employer relationships.
This is where a partner like Swagpack comes in. As a one-stop shop for bespoke, sustainable branded merchandise, we help finance companies connect with employees throughout their journey.
Swagpack’s approach focuses on:
- Personalisation at scale – Creating individually addressed welcome packs that make each employee feel special, without the logistical headache
- Storage and fulfillment – Maintaining inventory and managing global distribution to take the burden off HR teams
- Sustainable choices – Offering premium quality products with green credentials that align with corporate ESG commitments
- Ongoing recognition programs – Designing custom merchandise for milestones, achievements, and company events
What Makes an Effective Financial Sector Welcome Kit?
For financial companies looking to upgrade their welcome experience, there are several key elements to consider:
Quality Over Quantity
Rather than flooding new hires with branded trinkets, focus on fewer, higher-quality items they’ll use. Think custom water bottles instead of disposable coffee cups.
Practical Value
Include items that solve problems employees face during their first weeks. For example, a branded power bank can be a lifesaver during long training sessions.
Personal Touch
Whenever possible, add personalisation, whether it’s the employee’s name, team, or start date. This simple touch transforms standard company merchandise into a keepsake.
Brand Alignment
Ensure every item reflects your company’s values and visual identity. If sustainability is central to your brand, your welcome kit shouldn’t contain single-use plastics.
Cultural Relevance
Include items that communicate company culture and help new hires feel like insiders from day one, maybe a glossary of company terms or inside jokes.
Making It Happen: Working with a Swag Partner
Creating welcome kits doesn’t mean fintech companies need to become merch experts overnight. Working with a specialist partner like SwagPack allows you to:
- Access global sourcing networks to find unique, high-quality items
- Ensure quality control through independent third-party audits
- Store items and handle fulfilment to free up internal resources
- Track sustainability metrics for ESG reporting
- Create custom online portals where department heads can select pre-approved items
As is often said in HR circles, “Welcome kits give new hires something that represents our company values. It’s not just the items, it shows we’ve thought about their arrival.”
The Bottom Line
The right welcome kit can transform a potentially awkward first day into the beginning of a strong, loyal relationship.
By partnering with specialists who understand the practical and emotional aspects of employee onboarding, finance companies can create welcome experiences that maintain new-hire enthusiasm and set the stage for long-term engagement.
In a sector often focused on numbers, the human touches make all the difference. And it all starts with that first box waiting on a new employee’s desk.
