Welcome to the team! These four simple words can make a world of difference for a new employee joining your organization.
A warm, thoughtful welcome is more than just a nice gesture – it’s a crucial first step in building employee engagement, boosting motivation, and setting the stage for long-term success.
In today’s competitive talent market, a generic “Welcome aboard!” email simply won’t cut it. To truly make your new colleague feel valued and excited to be part of the team, you need to get creative with your welcome messages and gestures.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 unique, memorable ways to say “Welcome to the team!” that go beyond the basics. These ideas will help you create an onboarding experience that wows new employees and sets them up for success from day one. Let’s dive in!
Why Are Welcome Messages Important For New Employees?
Before we jump into the creative ideas, let’s take a moment to understand why welcome messages are so important for new recruits.
Starting a new job can be both exciting and intimidating. New employees are eager to make a good impression, but they may also feel anxious about fitting in with the team and learning the ropes.
A thoughtful welcome message can go a long way in easing those nerves and making them feel valued and supported from the start.
Consider these key benefits of a great welcome:
- Sets a positive tone for the employee’s entire experience with your company.
- Helps them feel more connected to the team and invested in their role.
- Boosts motivation and confidence by showing that you’re excited to have them on board.
- Reduces the risk of early turnover by making new employees feel welcomed and supported.
The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.
Adam Grant
By investing in a warm, personalized welcome for your new hires, you’re setting them up for success and demonstrating your commitment to their growth and well-being.
We need to remember that every employee is a human being first. The more we can do to make them feel valued, respected, and part of something bigger than themselves, the more engaged and productive they will be.
Josh Bersin
Key Elements Of An Effective Welcome To The Team Message
So, what makes a welcome message truly effective?
While the specific content and format may vary depending on your company culture and the role, there are a few key elements that every great welcome should include:
- Warmth and Enthusiasm: Above all, your welcome message should convey genuine excitement and appreciation for your new team member. Use phrases like “We’re thrilled to have you on board!” or “We can’t wait to see the amazing contributions you’ll make to our team.”
- Personalization: Avoid generic, copy-and-paste messages that feel impersonal. Take the time to customize your welcome with specific details about their role, background, or interests. For example, you might mention a unique skill they bring to the table or a shared hobby you discovered during the interview process.
- Company Culture: Give them a taste of your company culture and values in your welcome message. Share what makes your organization unique, whether it’s a commitment to sustainability, innovation, or work-life balance. Explain how their role fits into the bigger picture and how they’ll contribute to the company’s mission.
By incorporating these elements into your welcome message, you’ll make new hires feel informed, valued, and excited to dive into their new role. And don’t be afraid to inject some personality and humor into your message – it’s a great way to showcase your company’s unique voice and help new employees feel at ease.
Creative Ways To Welcome A New Employee To The Team
Here are some unique and memorable ways to welcome new colleagues:
Gift Stories
We believe that the most meaningful gifts are those that create a lasting impact – not just for the recipient, but for the planet as a whole. That’s why we’ve created Gift Stories, a unique way to engage your people while also making a positive difference in the world.
Here’s how it works:
- Dedicate trees in your new hire’s name: Decide how many trees you’d like to plant as a welcome gift for your new team member. Each tree will be dedicated to them and will help rebuild forests, sequester carbon, and provide sustainable livelihoods.
- Customize your Gift Story: Create a personalized digital welcome card, complete with your own message, photos, and even a video greeting from the team. We’ll include information about the reforestation project and the impact of their trees.
- Send an unforgettable welcome: On their first day, surprise them by sending the Gift Story to their email. They’ll be able to view your message, see the specific trees planted in their honor, and learn more about their Forest impact.
- Watch their Forest grow: Your new hire will receive regular updates on the growth of their trees and the positive impact they’re having on the local ecosystem and community.
As your new hire grows and thrives in their role, so too will the trees planted in their honor. It’s a symbol of your investment in their future and the future of our planet.
💡Chat with our AI Gift Story Creator to brainstorm welcome message ideas >
Warm Welcome Video
Create a short, engaging video featuring team members welcoming the new hire. Include fun facts about the company, team traditions, and what they can expect in their first week. This personal touch helps new employees feel connected to their colleagues before they even start.
Example script:
“Hey [Name]! We’re so excited to welcome you to the [Company Name] family. I’m [Your Name], and I’ll be your team lead. We’ve heard amazing things about your [specific skill], and we can’t wait to see how you’ll apply it to our upcoming [project name]. Get ready for our weekly team lunches and our infamous monthly trivia nights. See you on Monday!”
Handwritten Card
Have team members write personal welcome messages in a card for the new hire. It’s a tangible keepsake that shows thoughtfulness and care.
Example message:
“Welcome to the team, [Name]! We’re thrilled to have you join us. Your expertise in [specific skill] is exactly what we need to take our projects to the next level. Looking forward to collaborating with you and hearing your fresh ideas. If you ever need anything, my door is always open. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead! Best, [Your Name]”
Interactive Team Introduction Activity
Organize a fun, interactive session to help the new hire get to know their teammates. Ideas include:
- “Two Truths and a Lie” game with team members.
- A virtual scavenger hunt where the new hire has to collect fun facts about colleagues.
- A “speed networking” session with brief one-on-one chats.
Welcome Buddy Program
Assign a “welcome buddy” from outside their immediate team to provide support and guidance for the first few months. This buddy can offer a different perspective and help the new employee navigate company culture.
Desk Decoration Surprise
Decorate their workspace with a theme related to their interests or background. For example, if they’re a sports fan, deck out their desk with team memorabilia. If they love travel, create a mini “passport” with stamps representing different departments they’ll interact with.
Welcome To The Team Announcement
Send a company-wide email or Slack message announcing the new hire. Include a brief bio, photo, and fun facts about them. Encourage team members to reach out and say hello.
Example announcement:
“Please join me in welcoming [Name] to our Marketing team! [Name] brings 5 years of experience in content marketing and is a wizard with SEO strategies. Fun fact: [Name] once hiked the entire Appalachian Trail! When you see [Name] around the office, be sure to say hello and maybe ask for some trail mix recommendations. Welcome to the team, [Name]!”
New Hire Spotlight Post
Feature the new employee in a company newsletter or on your internal social platform. Include a Q&A or “get to know you” section to help them connect with the broader organization.
Welcome Song or Rap
For a truly memorable welcome, collaborate with musically inclined team members to create a custom welcome song or rap for the new hire. It’s fun, unique, and sure to make them feel special.
Welcome Email Template
Subject: Welcome to the Team, [Name]!
Dear [Name],We’re thrilled to welcome you to the [Company Name] family! Your first day is [start date], and we can’t wait to see the amazing contributions you’ll make to our team.
Here’s what you can expect on your first day:
- Arrival time: [time]
- Location: [address or link to virtual meeting]
- Dress code: [dress code]
- What to bring: [list any necessary items]
Your onboarding buddy, [Buddy’s Name], will meet you [location/virtually] to help you get settled. They’ll be your go-to person for any questions during your first few weeks.
We’re excited to have you join us in [brief mention of company mission or current project]. Your expertise in [specific skill or experience] will be a valuable addition to our team.
If you have any questions before your start date, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or [HR contact].Welcome aboard![Your Name]
[Your Title]
Welcome Letter To Ko With Onboarding Kit
[Company Letterhead]
Dear [Name],
Welcome to the [Company Name] team! We’re excited to have you join us and wanted to provide you with this welcome kit to help you get started on the right foot.
Your first week will be filled with orientation sessions, team meetings, and opportunities to get to know your colleagues. Your onboarding buddy, [Buddy’s Name], will be in touch soon to help guide you through your first few weeks.
We’re looking forward to seeing the unique perspectives and skills you’ll bring to our team. Welcome aboard!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Slack Messages For New Employees
General Channel:
@here Please join me in welcoming @[Name] to the team! [Name] is joining us as [role] and brings expertise in [relevant skills]. Don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello!
Team Channel:
Welcome to the team, @[Name]! We’re excited to have you on board. Here’s a quick rundown of our team traditions:
Monday morning coffee chats
Thursday lunch and learns
Monthly team outings
Feel free to ask any questions – we’re all here to help!
Fun Channel:
Hey @[Name]! Welcome to our fun zone. Time for a quick icebreaker: What’s your go-to karaoke song? 🎤
Funny Welcome Message Examples
“Welcome to the team! We’re not saying we’re the best department, but… okay, yes, we are saying that. Prepare for awesomeness!”
“Congrats on joining the team! We hope you like coffee, dad jokes, and the occasional office chair race. You’ll fit right in!”
“Welcome aboard! We’re excited to have you join our circus… I mean, our highly professional and totally normal workplace.”
“Hey there, newbie! Welcome to the team. We promise we don’t bite… except Dave from Accounting, but he’s on a strict diet now.”
“Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. We were running out of people to blame things on. (Just kidding… maybe.)”
Custom Welcome GIF or Meme
Create a personalized GIF or meme featuring their name or photo. Use a tool like Giphy or Imgflip to add text to popular meme formats or create a custom animation. Share it on your team’s communication channels for a fun, lighthearted welcome.
Example meme text:
“Brace yourselves… [Name] is coming!”
“One does not simply join [Company Name]… without an awesome welcome!”
How To Make Your New Team Members Feel Welcome On Their First Day
- Prepare their workspace: Ensure their desk is clean, organized, and equipped with necessary supplies. Add a personal touch like a welcome sign or small plant.
- Personal welcome: Have their manager or a senior team member greet them personally. A warm smile and handshake (or virtual equivalent) can go a long way in making them feel valued.
- Team lunch: Organize a team lunch to help the new hire connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting. For remote teams, consider a virtual lunch gathering.
- Office tour: Give a comprehensive tour of the office, pointing out important areas and introducing people along the way. For remote employees, provide a virtual tour or detailed guide to your digital workspace.
- First-day agenda: Provide a clear schedule for their first day to help them feel oriented and prepared. Include a mix of orientation activities, meet-and-greets, and some actual work tasks to give them a sense of productivity.
- Welcome package: Have a welcome kit waiting at their desk with essential items and some fun company swag. For remote employees, mail this package to arrive before their start date.
- End-of-day check-in: Schedule a brief meeting at the end of the day to answer any questions and set expectations for the rest of the week. This shows you’re invested in their success and comfort.
Best Welcome To The Team Ideas For Remote and Hybrid Teams
- Virtual Welcome Party: Host a video call with fun icebreaker games to introduce the new hire to the team. Use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to create an engaging virtual experience.
- Digital Welcome Package: Create an interactive online welcome package with videos, team photos, and important links. Tools like Notion or Airtable can help you create an engaging, easy-to-navigate resource.
- Virtual Coffee Chats: Schedule short one-on-one video calls with team members throughout the first week. This helps the new hire build personal connections despite the physical distance.
- Online Team Building Activity: Organize a virtual escape room or trivia game to help the new hire bond with the team. Platforms like Jackbox Games or Virtual Escape Room can facilitate these fun, interactive experiences.
- Virtual Reality Office Tour for Hybrid Teams: For hybrid teams, consider creating a VR tour of the office using 360-degree photos or videos. This allows remote employees to explore their new workplace virtually and get a sense of the physical space they’ll occasionally work in. Tools like Matterport or Google Tour Creator can help you create immersive virtual tours.
- Sending a Welcome Kit to Remote Employees: Ship a physical welcome package to remote employees’ homes. Include company swag, office supplies, and perhaps a local treat from the company’s home city. Don’t forget to include a Tree Kit to give them a tangible connection to your company’s sustainability efforts.
Smooth Onboarding Process To Boost Employee Engagement
- Pre-boarding: Start the onboarding process before the first day by sending welcome emails, necessary paperwork, and login information. This helps new hires feel prepared and reduces first-day stress.
- Structured First Week: Create a detailed schedule for the first week, balancing orientation sessions with actual work tasks. This helps new hires feel productive while also learning about their new role and the company.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule frequent check-ins with their manager and HR during the first few months. This provides opportunities for feedback and ensures the new employee feels supported.
- Clear Goals and Expectations: Set clear 30-60-90 day goals to give the new employee direction and purpose. This helps them understand what success looks like in their new role.
- Feedback Loop: Regularly solicit feedback from new hires about the onboarding process and make improvements based on their input. This shows that you value their opinion and are committed to continuous improvement.
- Ongoing Training: Provide access to training resources and learning opportunities beyond the initial onboarding period. This could include online courses, mentorship programs, or cross-departmental training sessions.
- Culture Integration: Organize activities that help new hires understand and embrace the company culture. This could include team-building exercises, company history sessions, or participation in corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Over to You
Creating a warm, memorable welcome for new employees is an investment in their success and your company’s future. By implementing these creative ideas and best practices, you’ll set the stage for higher engagement, better retention, and a more positive work culture overall.
Remember, the way you welcome new employees is a reflection of your company values and culture. Make it count!
We’d love to hear your creative welcome ideas! Share your best practices in the comments below.
And don’t forget to check out ForestNation’s Gift Stories for a unique, sustainable way to welcome your new team members.
FAQs
Some great welcome messages for new employees include: “Welcome aboard! We’re thrilled to have you join our dynamic team,” “Excited to see you take us to new heights,” and “A warmest welcome to our newest team member! Your talents will surely make a splash.” These messages set a positive tone and make the new employee feel valued from day one.
Including an inspirational quote in your welcome message can be a great way to motivate and encourage a new employee. For example, “As you embark on this new position, remember: ‘The beginning is the most important part of the work’ – Plato.” Just ensure the quote aligns with your company culture and the message you want to convey.
To extend a warm welcome on behalf of the entire team, you could organize a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet, create a video compilation of team members sharing welcome messages, or have everyone sign a welcome card. You might also consider assigning a “welcome buddy” to help the new employee navigate their first few weeks.
A comprehensive welcome package for new employees could include: company branded items (like a mug or notebook), an employee handbook, a map of the office or area, information about local amenities, a schedule for their first week, and perhaps a small gift card to a nearby coffee shop. Don’t forget to include a personalized welcome note to make them feel special!
To make a new employee feel like part of the team immediately, consider assigning them a mentor, including them in team meetings and decision-making processes right away, and introducing them to key team members individually. You could also organize a team-building activity or informal get-together to help them connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.
