Here in the Ellar Boutique office, we're all currently loving reading The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. The book seeks to explore why certain brief experiences can jolt us and elevate us and change us, and how we can learn to create such extraordinary moments in our life and work.

One golden opportunity for this, is an employee's first day at a new job. That first day is a defining moment that can shape an employee’s perception, engagement, and long-term commitment to an organisation. Research shows that strong onboarding experiences boost retention, productivity, and job satisfaction. Yet, too often, companies treat the first day as a checklist of paperwork and logistics, missing a golden opportunity to create a lasting impression.

In their book The Power of Moments, Chip and Dan Heath highlight how intentional, thoughtful first-day experiences can transform the employee journey, with a standout example from John Deere showing just how powerful these moments can be.

First days are a unique blend of excitement, nerves, and potential. For new hires, it’s a transition packed with intellectual challenges (learning the job), social shifts (meeting new colleagues), and environmental adjustments (navigating a new workplace). A poorly managed first day, with endless forms, no introductions, or a lack of direction, can leave employees feeling lost, undervalued, or disconnected. Conversely, a well-crafted experience signals belonging, purpose, and value, setting the tone for a fulfilling career.

Studies back this up: organisations with effective onboarding see 50% higher new-hire retention and 62% greater productivity, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The first day, in particular, is a “peak moment” of emotion and memory, as the Heath brothers note in The Power of Moments. It’s a chance to elevate the experience, spark insight, and foster pride and connection, which are all key elements of memorable moments that stick with us.

In The Power of Moments, Chip and Dan Heath spotlight John Deere, the American manufacturing giant, as a masterclass in turning the first day into a meaningful milestone. Facing challenges with employee engagement and retention in Asia, where the brand lacked the emotional resonance it held in the U.S. Midwest, Global Brand Director Lani Lorenz Fry partnered with a customer experience consultant to design “The First Day Experience.” The goal? Build an emotional connection from day one. Here’s how they did it:

Personal Welcome: Before the first day, a “John Deere Friend” like Anika reaches out via email, sharing the basics, like where to park and dress norms, and promising to greet the new hire in the lobby. On arrival, a flatscreen monitor blares a bold “Welcome, Arjun!” headline, making the employee feel seen and special.

Purposeful Connection: At the desk, a six-foot-tall banner towers above, signalling a new hire’s presence and inviting colleagues to stop by and say hello. The computer screen glows with a stunning image of John Deere equipment at sunset, overlaid with the message, “Welcome to the most important work you’ll ever do.” A video email from CEO Sam Allen follows, tying the role to the company’s mission: providing food, shelter, and infrastructure for a growing world.

Thoughtful Touches: A gift awaits! The new employee receives a stainless steel replica of John Deere’s 1837 self-polishing plow, with a card explaining its significance to farmers. At midday, Anika leads the new hire to an off-site lunch with a small group, fostering connection through shared stories and project insights. Later, the department manager schedules a lunch for the next week, reinforcing that the employee matters.

The result? New hires leave thinking, “I belong here. The work we’re doing matters. And I matter to them.” As Lani Lorenz Fry noted, this program “has helped to differentiate John Deere in a highly competitive labor market,” boosting engagement and retention across Asian offices, with plans to expand globally.

John Deere’s approach shows how to turn a routine first day into a “magic moment” with lasting impact. Here’s how any company can follow suit:

1.  Elevate the Experience: Go beyond paperwork. A personalised employee welcome gift, such as a branded box, with a coffee cup, candle, notebook and pen, like our Spark of Success employee gift, creates a sense of celebration. Small surprises, like John Deere’s plow replica, add delight and tie the employee to the company’s legacy.

2.  Spark Connection: Facilitate early bonds. Introduce new hires to peers, mentors, or leaders in a casual, human way, like John Deere’s lunch outing. This builds a sense of belonging and eases social jitters.

3. Instil Purpose: Link the role to a bigger mission. John Deere’s CEO video and computer message frame the job as vital, giving new hires pride and clarity from the start.

4. Invest with Intent: Don’t leave first days to chance. As the Heath brothers urge, “We must learn to think in moments, to spot the occasions that are worthy of investment.” A structured, thoughtful first day pays dividends in loyalty and performance.

A great first day isn’t just about the employee but a signal to the whole organisation. It shows leadership values people, not just processes. John Deere’s example proves that a few deliberate touches like the personal welcomes, meaningful employee gifts, and mission-driven messaging, can transform a transition into a peak moment. As Chip and Dan Heath write in The Power of Moments, “What if every organisation in the world offered new employees an unforgettable first day experience?” The answer: happier workers, stronger teams, and a culture that thrives.

So, rethink your first days. Make them magic. Take a page from John Deere and craft a moment that says, “You belong, and your work matters.” Your employees, and your bottom line, will thank you. We would love to help you create that perfect first day new employee gift - shop our curated selection of employee gifts online, or contact our team to create your own custom gift!

 

Instagram Giveaway Terms & Conditions

Ellar Boutique Instagram Giveaway – “The Power of Moments”
By entering this giveaway, you agree to the following terms:

1. Eligibility:
   Open to Australian residents aged 18 or over. This giveaway is not affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram or the book publisher.
   
   
2. Entry Period:
   The giveaway opens at 9am AEST on 14 July 2025 and closes at 11:59pm AEST on 24 July 2025. Entries outside this time will not be valid.
   
   
3. How to Enter:
   To enter, participants must:
   - Follow @ellarboutique on Instagram
   - Like the giveaway post
   - Tag one or more people in the comments (each tag counts as one entry)
   
   

4. Prizes:
   6 winners will each receive one copy of The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath + Spark of Success Gift box valued at $85.00 AUD. No cash alternative will be offered.
   

5. Winner Selection:
   Winners will be chosen at random and announced on @ellarboutique’s Instagram Stories on Friday 25 July 2025. Winners will be contacted via DM following this announcement.
   

6. Claiming Prizes:
   Winners must reply within 7 days to claim their prize, providing a valid Australian shipping address. Prizes will be mailed within 14 days.
   

7. Data Collection:
   Entry data will only be used to administer the giveaway and will not be stored or reused for marketing unless explicitly opted into.
   

8. Disqualification:
   Ellar Boutique reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not follow the rules or appear fraudulent.
   

Other:
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.