Office supplies for new employees: Workplace starter kit
by Wiepa GmbH on Jul 07, 2026Office Supplies Guide
Office Supplies for New Employees: Workplace Starter Kit
New employees start more relaxed when their workstation is prepared. A small starter kit with pens, a notepad, a tray, a folder, tech accessories, and hygiene items saves them from searching on their first day.
When onboarding, people quickly think of access, laptops, and email. However, in everyday work, it's often the simple things that are missing: ballpoint pens, notepads, mice, charging cables, folders, cleaning wipes, or a designated place for documents.
Short answer
A workplace starter kit should contain the most important office items for the first day of work: pens, notepad, tray, folder or file, keyboard, mouse, cables, cleaning wipes, and, depending on the workstation, ergonomic accessories.
Why a starter kit makes sense
A prepared workplace shows appreciation and saves time. New employees don't have to ask for materials first, but can start faster. At the same time, a standard package helps to reorder office supplies more predictably.
- professional first impression during onboarding
- less searching on the first day of work
- uniform equipment within the team
- easier reordering of standard items
- more order at the workplace from the start
What belongs in a workplace starter kit?
| Area | Useful items | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Ballpoint pen, highlighter, notepad | prefer a few good standard items |
| Filing | File, folder, clear pockets, desk tray | adapt to department or task |
| Technology | Mouse, keyboard, cables, charger | test accessories directly with the workstation |
| Ergonomics and Hygiene | Notebook stand, mouse pad, cleaning wipes | especially important for laptop workstations |
Don't overthink office supplies
A starter kit doesn't have to be huge. It should contain the items that are really needed at the beginning. Everything else can be ordered through the normal ordering process. It's important that the basic equipment is clearly defined.
- one to two ballpoint pens
- a notepad or college block
- highlighter or marker depending on the task
- a file or a folder
- small tray for documents
- cleaning wipes for the workplace
Matching: Basic Office Supplies for Companies
Plan for technology and ergonomics
Especially with laptop workstations, a laptop and desk are often not enough. For longer working hours, a notebook stand, external keyboard, and mouse are useful. Cable management should also be considered directly so that the workstation doesn't appear untidy on the first day.
Matching: Ergonomic laptop use and Cable management at the desk
Differentiate between office, home office, and desk sharing
A workstation in the office often requires different items than a home office workstation or a shared desk. Therefore, a small distinction by workstation type is worthwhile.
- Fixed office workstation: Filing, pens, notepad, folders, desk accessories
- Home office: Notebook stand, keyboard, mouse, lighting, and cable management
- Desk sharing: Cleaning wipes, standard accessories, clear clean desk policy
Matching products in the Wiepa Shop
Checklist: Starter kit for new employees
- Define workstation type: office, home office, or desk sharing.
- Prepare standard items for writing and notes.
- Add filing, folder, or file.
- Test tech accessories before the first day.
- Check ergonomics for laptop workstations.
- Provide cleaning wipes and small hygiene items.
- Organize reordering using a fixed standard list.
More on this: Home office basic equipment, Organizing desk sharing and Setting up your desk correctly
Frequently Asked Questions
What belongs in a starter kit for new employees?
Typically, pens, a notepad, a file or folder, a tray, a keyboard, a mouse, cables, cleaning wipes, and, depending on the workstation, ergonomic accessories.
Why is a workplace starter kit useful?
It facilitates the start, saves search time, appears professional, and ensures that new employees are immediately ready to work.
Should the starter kit be the same for everyone?
A common basic equipment is sensible. It should be supplemented depending on the department, workstation type, and tasks.
Sources and Orientation
This article serves as a practical guide for onboarding, office organization, and office supply. Key factors are workstation type, department, technical equipment, home office share, and internal ordering processes.
Relevant pages: Office Supplies, Office Provision, Office Furniture and Office Supplies in the Shop
Easily prepare workstations and starter kits
Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein Main with office supplies, desk accessories, ergonomics, hygiene items, and complete office provision for new employees.
