I have changed jobs and I must confess, my first day has always been special for me. It can be made much more special by the welcome provided by your organization. My experiences and those of most of my friends echo this sentiment.
In my last organization, I was welcomed with flowers and balloons. My cubicle had a nice poster which said ‘Hey there, I am new, let’s catch up!’. A lot of new people just dropped by. I even cut a cake and I was asked to perform anything that I might like in front of the entire office. Whatever be those experiences but those are now etched in my memories somewhere. My first impression was great, enough for me to feel happy and get emotionally attached to the company (and feel loyal).
A lot many organizations do much more than this to strike the emotional cords. Some do nothing and just look at the new hires as new ‘resources’ or as just another cost entries.
Remember, whether you realize it or not, your employees are your best assets and they are human. The more you connect with them emotionally, the more they will do wonders for you and your organization.