5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Onboarding Kits

A well-designed onboarding kit isn’t just a welcome gesture—it’s the first branding touchpoint for your new hire. It helps create a sense of belonging, sets expectations, and leaves a lasting impression. But despite good intentions, many companies miss the mark when it comes to crafting impactful onboarding experiences.

At Printing Labs, we’ve helped hundreds of companies across India design branded, meaningful onboarding kits. Here are the five most common mistakes we see—and how to avoid them.

1. Focusing Only on Looks, Not Usefulness

Yes, aesthetic matters. But design without function leads to a kit that collects dust. Avoid stuffing your onboarding box with fancy but impractical items.

Avoid this by: Including daily-use essentials like a stainless steel bottle, branded notebook, ID card holder, or tech accessories that your employee will actually use.

➡️ Our bestselling welcome kits at Printing Labs combine utility with premium design.

2. Ignoring Brand Consistency

An onboarding kit is a chance to reinforce your company’s visual identity. Too many kits look like a mishmash of random products from different vendors.

Avoid this by: Ensuring every element—colors, fonts, logo placement, messaging—matches your brand guidelines.

➡️ Printing Labs ensures all items and packaging reflect your brand’s look and feel—seamlessly.

3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach

What works for tech interns may not work for senior executives. Generic kits can feel impersonal and underwhelming.

Avoid this by: Segmenting kits based on job role, seniority, or location. Add personal touches like handwritten notes or video welcome QR codes.

➡️ We offer tiered onboarding solutions—from startup-friendly kits to enterprise-grade bundles.

4. Poor Packaging & Unboxing Experience

Even great items lose impact if the packaging is dull or disorganized. A chaotic unboxing experience can ruin the excitement.

Avoid this by: Investing in quality, brandable boxes and inserts that elevate the experience. Think magnetic flaps, customized sleeves, or eco-friendly kraft boxes.

➡️ At Printing Labs, we design packaging that delivers the ‘wow’ factor from the first touch.

5. Skipping Timely Delivery & Logistics Planning

Your welcome kit should reach the employee before or on their first day. Late deliveries dilute the emotional impact and professionalism.

Avoid this by: Partnering with a vendor who handles inventory, packing, and pan-India delivery with speed and accuracy.

➡️ With Printing Labs, we handle end-to-end logistics to ensure kits reach on time—across cities and states.

Final Thoughts

An onboarding kit is more than just a box—it’s a brand moment. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your new hires feel valued, aligned, and excited to join your team.

If you’re planning your next onboarding campaign, let Printing Labs help you craft custom welcome kits that are functional, beautiful, and always on-brand.

👉 Browse our onboarding solutions or request a custom quote at www.printinglabs.in