Free Lunch

I've been a part of six different companies so far in my career and one thing remains true - developers like free food.  Now I know free food can get expensive for companies, especially ones trying to cut costs, but one time companies should always spend that money is the day a developer or any new employee for that matter joins a company.  There's nothing better than finishing up your orientation, going to your new workspace, meeting your new coworkers, and then going to lunch on the company dime.  I'm not saying it has to be a fancy lunch.  I'm not saying it even has to be a lunch outside the company's cafeteria, all I'm saying is it should be free. 

1) Lunch outside the company with your new manager and team
2) Lunch inside the company with your new manager and team
3) Lunch outside the company with just your new manager
4) Lunch outside the company with just your new team members
...
n) Lunch by yourself at your desk

When most people start at a new company, they are excited to be there, get up to speed, and start contributing.  When the company takes them out to lunch, they feel important and that the company cares about them.  It's also a great chance for the team to get to know the new employee at a personal level outside the office. 

For any manager reading this, please spend a little cash on your new employee.  The small amount you spend on them or the whole team on the day they start, or the week they start will pay great dividends in the long run.