Introduction
Embarking on a new job can feel like stepping into the unknown—exciting, yet filled with uncertainty. We've all experienced that mix of anticipation and nerves, especially on the first day.
To help smooth this transition, we've compiled ten key onboarding strategies designed to help new hires feel welcomed, confident, and ready to thrive from the very beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Complete essential paperwork in advance for a smooth start.
- Provide welcome gifts like branded swag to build team identity.
- Use engaging icebreakers and assign onboarding buddies to build early connections.
- Include remote employees in in-person training opportunities.
- Collect feedback through onboarding surveys to improve the process.
Preboarding Activities
First impressions begin before the first day. Preboarding helps reduce stress and create early engagement by introducing new hires to your company culture and expectations.
Preparing the essentials ahead of time ensures a seamless transition. Steps include:
- Send employment forms (contracts, tax documents, benefit info) immediately after offer acceptance.
- Use secure platforms for sensitive data submission.
- Provide access to the employee handbook.
- Set up work email accounts and internal communication tools in advance.
- Schedule required compliance and job-specific training early.
- Share a first-week itinerary outlining meetings, expectations, and contacts.
- Communicate key details about the first day (start time, dress code, parking, point of contact).
Send Company Swag
A welcome package featuring branded items—such as coffee mugs, T-shirts, or notebooks—can leave a lasting impression. These gifts:
- Reinforce company culture.
- Help new hires feel valued and included.
- Create excitement before the first day.
- Serve as practical additions to their home or office workspace.
First Day Activities
The first day should feel welcoming, structured, and engaging. Carefully planned activities can ease nerves and encourage connection.
Introductions and Icebreakers
Start the day by fostering a friendly environment. Effective ideas include:
- Team map activity: Pin locations to share backgrounds.
- "Two Truths and a Lie": Learn fun facts about each other.
- Office scavenger hunt: Familiarize new hires with the space.
- Speed meetings: Brief one-on-one chats to build connections.
- Team-building games: Align with your company’s mission or values.
- Optional mindfulness or meditation sessions.
- Interactive digital tools for remote participants.
- Story sharing by veteran employees.
- First-day goal-setting exercises.
Assign an Onboarding Buddy
An onboarding buddy serves as a friendly guide and support contact during the first weeks. This peer mentor helps:
- Answer informal or sensitive questions.
- Provide context for daily routines.
- Explain company culture from a peer perspective.
- Foster early relationships and reduce new hire anxiety.
Host a Welcome Lunch
A team lunch offers a relaxed space for new hires to socialize. Benefits include:
- Encouraging casual conversations.
- Introducing new hires to teammates outside formal meetings.
- Reinforcing a people-first culture.
- Creating an immediate sense of inclusion.
Publicly welcoming new hires demonstrates that your organization values its people. A thoughtful social post might include:
- A photo and welcome message.
- A short bio or fun fact.
- Links to relevant company pages or job openings.
This builds community and boosts internal and external engagement.
Post-First Day Activities
After the initial excitement, sustained engagement is key. Ongoing onboarding helps new hires integrate more deeply into the team and organization.
Offer In-Person Training for Remote Employees
Remote workers benefit from a structured in-office experience. Consider:
- Hosting a welcome day with interactive workshops.
- Scheduling a facility tour and department introductions.
- Arranging meetings with leadership.
- Providing hands-on training for essential tools.
- Discussing company values, goals, and performance expectations.
Help Set Up Home Workspaces
To support remote productivity and comfort:
- Provide a checklist of recommended items (e.g., ergonomic chair, monitors).
- Offer stipends or reimbursements for home office setup.
- Recommend productivity and communication tools.
- Ensure access to IT support.
- Advise on cybersecurity best practices.
- Encourage healthy work-life boundaries.
Schedule a “Show and Tell”
Create a casual opportunity for new team members to share something personal. Guidelines:
- Limit to 5 minutes per participant.
- Encourage lighthearted topics (e.g., hobbies, travel stories, favorite books).
- Use it as a team-building activity that fosters authenticity and trust.
Continuous Onboarding Activities
Onboarding doesn't end in week one. Continuous efforts help foster long-term engagement and build a sense of belonging.
Create Group Wellness Programs
Offer wellness opportunities to reinforce a supportive environment. Examples:
- Weekly yoga or meditation sessions.
- Walking groups or virtual step challenges.
- Health and wellness speaker series.
- Peer-led fitness sessions.
These initiatives promote well-being and strengthen workplace connections.
Use Onboarding Surveys to Collect Feedback
Soliciting new hire feedback is essential for ongoing improvement. Best practices include:
- Asking about the clarity of communications and training.
- Requesting insights into their comfort level and team integration.
- Using surveys at multiple points (e.g., end of week one, month one, and 90 days).
- Analyzing trends to refine the onboarding process.
- Following up with individuals where needed.
Conclusion
A thoughtful onboarding process—from preboarding to continuous engagement—can transform a first day into a successful career journey. By making new employees feel welcome, supported, and connected, you lay the groundwork for long-term satisfaction and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the first thing HR should do when onboarding a new employee?
Begin by confirming documentation, initiating background checks, setting up payroll and systems access, and preparing a personalized onboarding checklist.
2. How can we help new hires feel part of the team?
Use structured activities such as team lunches, buddy systems, and social shout-outs. These gestures foster connection from day one.
3. Are onboarding checklists important?
Absolutely. Onboarding checklists ensure consistency, track progress, and make sure no essential step is overlooked.
4. Why is a welcoming first day critical?
A strong start shapes a new employee’s perception of the company. It promotes engagement, reduces early turnover, and sets a positive tone for their journey ahead.
