Onboard Rewards

Employee onboarding rewards are incentives or recognition initiatives given to new hires during or after their onboarding process. These rewards help build motivation, make new hires feel valued, and boost engagement from day one. This glossary explores the what, why, and how of using onboarding rewards effectively.

What are onboarding rewards?

Employee onboarding rewards are incentives, gifts, or recognition given to new hires to make their transition into the company smoother and more welcoming. These rewards can range from physical welcome kits and digital badges to early milestone bonuses and public acknowledgments. The goal is to create a positive first impression, strengthen employer branding, and increase engagement right from the start.

By incorporating rewards into onboarding, companies signal appreciation for the new hire’s decision to join, help reinforce company culture, and encourage early retention. These programs are becoming more common as organizations prioritise employee experience during the critical first few weeks.

Why are employee onboarding rewards important?

Rewarding new hires during onboarding plays a powerful role in early engagement and long-term retention. It helps them feel seen, valued, and excited about the journey ahead.

Improves the first impression of the company
Builds trust and loyalty from day one
Boosts morale and reduces early attrition
Reinforces a culture of recognition
Encourages faster integration into teams and workflows
Sets the tone for a strong employer-employee relationship

Who should receive employee onboarding rewards?

Employee onboarding rewards are typically designed for all new hires across departments and levels. However, the style and value of rewards can vary depending on the role, seniority, or onboarding stage.

Organizations can personalize rewards for:

Full-time and part-time employees
Remote and in-office hires
Senior executives or key hires
Interns and graduate trainees
Employees shifting to new roles internally

Where are employee onboarding rewards used?

Onboarding rewards can be delivered across different environments and settings depending on the organization’s onboarding process.

During orientation sessions (physical or virtual)
Via email or internal platforms (e.g., digital badges)
In welcome kits shipped to remote hires
At team introductions or kick-off meetings
Through intranet or HR software tools

When should you give employee onboarding rewards?

Timing matters in onboarding rewards. The earlier a new hire feels appreciated, the stronger the connection to the company.

On the first day of joining
At the end of the first week
Upon completion of training modules
After first project completion
During their 30-, 60-, or 90-day milestones

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What are the different types of employee onboarding rewards?

There are various types of onboarding rewards—ranging from one-time gestures to structured reward programs. Choosing the right mix ensures a memorable experience.

Welcome kits with branded items (t-shirts, mugs, notebooks)
Gift cards or e-vouchers for online platforms
Personalized thank-you notes or video messages
Access to wellness perks or subscriptions
Digital badges and shoutouts on internal platforms
Milestone bonuses or performance-based early incentives
Invitations to team lunches or virtual meetups

What are employee onboarding reward programs?

Employee onboarding reward programs are structured initiatives that systematically offer rewards to new hires during their onboarding phase. These programs aim to reduce early turnover, encourage faster engagement, and make new hires feel part of the team from the start.

A good onboarding reward program is often managed by HR or People Ops and integrates with onboarding checklists and timelines. It tracks progress, ensures consistency, and reinforces a culture of appreciation early in the employee lifecycle. The rewards are often tied to specific events—like completing training, meeting first goals, or finishing probation successfully.

Tinjauan nadi pekerja:

Ini ialah tinjauan pendek yang boleh dihantar dengan kerap untuk menyemak pendapat pekerja anda tentang sesuatu isu dengan cepat. Tinjauan ini mengandungi kurang soalan (tidak lebih daripada 10) untuk mendapatkan maklumat dengan cepat. Ini boleh diberikan secara berkala (bulanan/mingguan/suku tahunan).

Pertemuan satu lawan satu:

Mengadakan mesyuarat berkala selama sejam untuk sembang tidak rasmi dengan setiap ahli pasukan ialah cara terbaik untuk memahami apa yang berlaku dengan mereka. Memandangkan ia adalah perbualan yang selamat dan peribadi, ia membantu anda mendapatkan butiran yang lebih baik tentang sesuatu isu.

eNPS:

eNPS (skor Promoter Bersih pekerja) ialah salah satu cara paling mudah lagi berkesan untuk menilai pendapat pekerja anda tentang syarikat anda. Ia termasuk satu soalan menarik yang mengukur kesetiaan. Contoh soalan eNPS termasuk: Sejauh manakah anda mengesyorkan syarikat kami kepada orang lain? Pekerja menjawab tinjauan eNPS pada skala 1-10, di mana 10 menandakan mereka 'berkemungkinan besar' mengesyorkan syarikat dan 1 menandakan mereka 'sangat tidak mungkin' mengesyorkannya.

Berdasarkan maklum balas, pekerja boleh diletakkan dalam tiga kategori berbeza:

Penganjur
Pekerja yang telah bertindak balas secara positif atau bersetuju.
Pengkritik
Pekerja yang telah bertindak balas secara negatif atau tidak bersetuju.
pasif
Pekerja yang kekal neutral dengan jawapan mereka.

How do you implement employee onboarding rewards effectively?

A good onboarding rewards strategy needs thoughtful planning, personalization, and timely delivery. It should reflect the company’s values and enhance the new hire's experience.