Welcome To The Team Message (17 examples)
When a new team member joins your organization, it's essential to make them feel welcome and valued from day one. A warm welcome can go a long way in helping them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to contribute to the team's success. In this blog post, we'll share 17 of the best examples of how to welcome a new team member and create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
1. Send a Welcome Email
Before your new team member even steps foot in the office (or logs on to their first virtual meeting), send them a warm welcome email. This email should include important information like their start date, time, and location, as well as any necessary paperwork or login credentials. But don't stop there – take the opportunity to express your excitement about having them join the team and let them know that you're there to support them every step of the way.
Welcome to the team, [Name]! We're so excited to have you join us and can't wait to see all the great things you'll accomplish. Please find attached some important information to help you get started, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
2. Decorate Their Desk (or Virtual Workspace)
Make your new team member feel special by decorating their desk or virtual workspace with a few fun and welcoming items. This could include a personalized nameplate, a small plant or succulent, a company t-shirt or mug, or even a basket of their favorite snacks. If your team is working remotely, consider sending a care package to their home with some of these items.
We've got a special surprise waiting for you at your desk, [Name]! We hope these small tokens of our appreciation help you feel welcomed and valued as the newest member of our team.
3. Schedule a Team Lunch
On your new team member's first day, schedule a team lunch (either in-person or virtual) to give everyone a chance to get to know each other in a more casual setting. This is a great opportunity for your new team member to ask questions, learn more about their colleagues, and start building relationships.
Hey everyone, let's give a warm welcome to [Name] by taking them out to lunch on their first day! I've made a reservation at [Restaurant] for [Date/Time] - looking forward to seeing you all there.
4. Assign a Buddy or Mentor
Assigning a buddy or mentor to your new team member can help them feel more comfortable and supported as they navigate their new role. This person can answer questions, provide guidance, and help them get acclimated to the company's culture and processes.
[Name], I wanted to introduce you to [Buddy/Mentor Name], who will be your go-to person for any questions or guidance as you get settled in. They're a wealth of knowledge and always happy to help, so don't be shy about reaching out!
5. Create a Welcome Video
If your team is working remotely or your new team member is starting during a busy time, consider creating a welcome video to introduce them to the team. This video can include short clips from each team member welcoming them and sharing a fun fact about themselves.
We put together a little something special to welcome you to the team, [Name]. Check out this video featuring some friendly faces and fun facts about your new colleagues!
6. Plan a Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can be a fun and engaging way to help your new team member learn more about the company and their colleagues. Create a list of clues or tasks that will take them around the office (or virtual workspace) and introduce them to different departments and team members.
Ready for a fun challenge, [Name]? We've put together a scavenger hunt to help you learn more about the company and your new teammates - see attached for your first clue!
7. Host a Happy Hour
After your new team member's first week on the job, host a happy hour (either in-person or virtual) to celebrate their arrival and give everyone a chance to unwind and socialize. This can be a great way to build team morale and help your new team member feel more connected to their colleagues.
Cheers to our newest team member, [Name]! Join us for a virtual happy hour on [Date/Time] to celebrate their first week and get to know them better over some drinks and laughs.
8. Give Them a Shoutout on Social Media
Give your new team member a warm welcome on your company's social media channels. Share a photo of them (with their permission, of course) along with a short bio and a message welcoming them to the team. This can help them feel valued and appreciated, and also give your followers a chance to learn more about your growing team.
We're thrilled to introduce the newest member of our [Department] team, [Name]! With their impressive background in [Skill/Experience], we know they'll be a valuable asset to our company.
9. Create a Welcome Packet
Put together a welcome packet for your new team member that includes important information about the company, their role, and their team. This could include things like an organizational chart, a list of company policies and procedures, and a map of the office (or virtual workspace). You could also include some fun items like a company t-shirt, stickers, or a gift card to a local coffee shop.
[Name], we've put together a welcome packet to help you hit the ground running in your new role. Inside you'll find important information about the company, your team, and your responsibilities, as well as some fun goodies to show our appreciation.
10. Schedule One-on-One Meetings
During your new team member's first week, schedule one-on-one meetings with their manager and key colleagues to help them get acclimated and start building relationships. These meetings can be a great opportunity for them to ask questions, learn more about their role and responsibilities, and get feedback on their early contributions to the team.
Hi [Name], I'd love to schedule a one-on-one meeting with you during your first week to discuss your goals and expectations for your new role. Please let me know what dates and times work best for you, and I look forward to chatting soon!
11. Organize a Team-Building Activity
Plan a team-building activity (either in-person or virtual) to help your new team member bond with their colleagues and feel more connected to the team. This could be something as simple as a group lunch or happy hour, or something more structured like a escape room or a volunteer activity.
Hey team, let's give [Name] a warm welcome by organizing a virtual escape room activity for next Friday afternoon! It'll be a great chance for us to bond as a team and have some fun together.
12. Give Them a Personalized Gift
Show your new team member that you value them as an individual by giving them a personalized gift. This could be something related to their hobbies or interests, like a book on a topic they're passionate about or a gift card to their favorite store. It's a small gesture that can go a long way in making them feel appreciated and welcomed.
Welcome to the team, [Name]! We did a little research and discovered your love for [Hobby/Interest], so we got you this [Gift] as a small token of our appreciation.
13. Invite Them to a Company Event
If your company has any upcoming events or celebrations, make sure to invite your new team member and encourage them to attend. This could be a holiday party, a company-wide meeting, or a team outing. Attending these events can help them feel more connected to the company culture and their colleagues.
[Name], we have an exciting company-wide event coming up next month that we'd love for you to attend! It's a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other departments and learn more about our company culture.
14. Create a Welcome Survey
Create a welcome survey for your new team member to fill out during their first week on the job. This survey can include questions about their work style, communication preferences, and goals for their role. This information can be valuable for their manager and colleagues as they start working together and can help ensure that everyone is on the same page.
We want to make sure we're doing everything we can to support you in your new role, [Name]. Please take a few minutes to fill out this welcome survey and let us know your work style, communication preferences, and any goals you have for your first few months on the job.
15. Offer Training and Development Opportunities
Show your new team member that you're invested in their growth and development by offering training and development opportunities from the start. This could include things like online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs. By investing in their skills and knowledge, you're not only helping them succeed in their role, but also showing them that you value their contributions to the team.
[Name], we're committed to investing in your growth and development from day one. Check out this list of online courses and workshops that we think would be valuable for your role, and let us know if there are any other areas where you'd like to focus your learning.
16. Celebrate Their Arrival on the Company Blog or Newsletter
If your company has a blog or newsletter, consider featuring your new team member in a post or article. This could include a short bio, a Q&A about their background and interests, or even a fun fact about them. This can help them feel more connected to the company and give your readers a chance to learn more about your growing team.
We're excited to introduce the newest member of our team, [Name], on the company blog this week! Keep an eye out for a special Q&A feature where they share their background, interests, and what they're most looking forward to in their new role.
17. Check in Regularly
Finally, make sure to check in with your new team member regularly during their first few weeks and months on the job. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to see how they're doing, answer any questions they may have, and provide feedback and support as needed. By showing that you're invested in their success and well-being, you can help them feel more confident and valued as a member of the team.
Hi [Name], I just wanted to check in and see how your first few weeks on the job are going. Do you have any questions or concerns that I can help address? I'm here to support you however I can, so please don't hesitate to reach out anytime.
Conclusion
Welcoming a new team member is an important part of creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. By taking the time to make them feel valued, supported, and connected from day one, you can help them thrive in their new role and contribute to the success of your team and organization.
Whether you choose to send a welcome email, decorate their desk, or plan a team lunch, the key is to show your new team member that you're excited to have them on board and committed to helping them succeed. With these 17 examples as a starting point, you can create a warm and welcoming onboarding experience that sets your new team member up for success and helps them feel like a valued member of the team from the very beginning.