5 Ways to Welcome an Employee

Tue, October 25, 2022
There are several ways to welcome new team members, and each of them has its own advantages for both employees and employers. Let's see how welcoming your new employee will make it easier for them to adapt to the new environment.

Take them around the office

The first thing you should do when welcoming a new employee is show them around the office. This way you can get an idea of ​​where everything is and what it's like in person. If there's something you'd like them to see, let them know ahead of time so there are no surprises on their first day on the job. For example: if you are going to have lunch or make coffee in the kitchen at the office, it can be helpful to let them know ahead of time. In this way, everyone involved in the visit (as well as those who are not) will have the opportunity to get acquainted with each other before starting to work together.

Send them a welcome card

Prior to his arrival at the office, you can create a group welcome card with messages from each and every one of the team members, so that he feels comfortable at all times, knows their colleagues and can give their best from the first day. Creating a welcome gift of this type is especially useful for teams that work remotely and cannot physically meet in the same place.

The fact that the new employee's onboarding process takes place in a virtual environment requires digital tools such as SendGift so that they feel supported at all times.
Welcome card with messages from co-workers

Have your desk ready

- Make sure you have everything you need.
- Make sure your desk is uncluttered and organized.
- Have a place for everything, including your computer, phone, and any other devices that might come your way. It's also good practice to keep things off the floor so you don't drag dirt into your home office or create an unpleasant odor in the surrounding air (because no odors mean it smells clean).

Everyone greets them

- Say hello.
- Ask them about their trip, family and hobbies.
- Ask about their interests (for example, what kind of music do they like? What kind of movies?). If you can't think of any questions, just tell them you're glad to have them on board and ask if there's anything else you need to know before you go ahead with the onboarding process. If someone has offered them a job elsewhere but s(he) has accepted yours, ask how long it took them to decide; this might give you an idea of ​​whether he would be willing to leave a job after being hired by yours as well.

Organize informal social activities with co-workers

Social activities are a great way to get to know your co-workers. You can go to a bar to celebrate a monthly happy hour or throw an ice cream party once a year. It's also a great idea to plan team-building events, like outdoor sports games or volleyball tournaments. These will help build employee relationships and foster bonding, as well as improve morale when it comes time for an employee transition within the company (for example, hiring new staff members).
Company dinner to welcome new coworkers

Have a meal with them

Invite them to eat on their first day and try to get to know them personally. Ask them about their daily life, their family or their hobbies. Obviously without it being an interrogation, but it is something that when you arrive at a new place you are very grateful that they care about you.

Making new hires feel welcome benefits everyone

Making new hires feel welcome benefits everyone. It makes them feel more comfortable and less stressed, which can help them perform better at work. They'll also be more productive because they won't have to worry about being teased or ignored by their peers. The company will retain its best employees if they find it easier to get along with their peers and work as a team.

Always remember that your company is only as good as its employees. The best way to make them feel welcome and valued is to treat them with respect. Don't forget that these are people who also have a life outside of work, so keep that in mind when you do things like letting them eat with you or giving them a tour of your office.