How to Welcome a New Employee: Message and Gift Ideas for a Seamless Onboarding

Can you recall the feeling of starting a new job, the mix of excitement and nervousness? New hires want to make a good first impression, but they may not realize that the organization wants to make a good first impression, too. 

HR is often trying to figure out how to welcome a new employee and set a positive tone. How can you show genuine excitement and care for each person you onboard? It can actually be pretty simple: a thoughtful, personalized message goes a long way.

Organizations that offer a warm welcome can introduce their culture and values — and create a sense of wellbeing and belonging from day one. Get inspired by these 30 messages that will help anyone feel included and valued on day one of onboarding.

Why Welcome Messages Matter

The Psychological Impact

The first couple of weeks at a new job can be a whirlwind of emotions for any new employee. They are stepping into the unknown and facing unfamiliar faces and processes — it can be tough to find your footing in a new environment. A warm welcome puts new employees at ease while setting a positive tone for their experience with the organization. It can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or self-doubt that often accompany the first days of a new job.

Besides, everyone wants to feel welcome. As Wellhub uncovered in its State of Work-Life Wellness 2024 report, 98% of people say their belonging at work is important to their overall wellbeing.

For most of us, belonging starts with feeling valued and appreciated. A meaningful message HR helps remind their newest employees of their value and worth is seen by their new employer.

Building a Positive Workplace Culture

There has never been a greater emphasis on corporate social responsibility, where companies are expected to take care of their workforce. When employees feel welcomed and embraced from day one, they are more likely to experience:

• lower stress levels
• increased job satisfaction
• greater sense of purpose in their roles

This all improves their wellbeing, which has a direct impact on their performance and commitment to the organization. After all, happy and healthy employees are more productive. 

Plus, welcome messages can serve as the initial building blocks for a positive company culture, which is invaluable for retaining and nurturing top talent. In other words, a strong first impression not only helps employees do their job well, but also makes them more committed to the organization!

How to Write the Perfect Welcome Message (4 Tips) 

When it comes to welcome messages, one size doesn't fit all. Tailoring each message to the individual is the secret ingredient that transforms a generic greeting into a powerful connection-building tool. These steps can act as a checklist to help you craft meaningful messages:

1. Gather Information

Hiring managers start getting to know their future coworkers during the recruitment process, and it pays off to pay attention! Having meaningful conversations before onboarding can reveal career aspirations, hobbies, and other personal details you can lock away for later.

2. Personalize the Message

The information you get from interviews and other interactions can then inform an authentic and individual message to new hires. This is where you can mention specific career goals and company values—give them a glimpse of what they can expect. It also doesn’t hurt to throw in a personal detail, like if they shared anything about their pet or their favorite thing to do in their free time.

3. Be Inclusive

Diversity and inclusion are especially important when you make a first impression. Your language shows that you respect all forms of diversity, including gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and abilities. Be mindful not to make assumptions about the new hire’s background or experiences and use inclusive language.

4. Use a Clear Message Structure

While there isn’t a strict way to order your message, this is a good default structure to fall back on:

• Warm Greeting: Start with a welcoming tone.
• Personal Touch: Include the personalized elements you gathered.
• Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and excitement for their journey with the company.
• Invitation to Connect: Encourage them to reach out with any questions or for support.

30 Welcome to the Team Message Examples 

Each message will look a little different, but there are some common sentiments you can cover in your welcome messages, such as:

• You are excited to work with them
• They add value to their team
• You are here to support and help them
• They are encouraged to dive in and explore their role
• Remind them that your company values their input and ideas

Depending on the employee’s role, such as onboarding managers, some of these core messages will stick out more than others. As you navigate how to welcome a new employee to the team, you can use the following examples to prompt the best ideas in your messages.

Welcome Messages for New Employees

These examples can be a great template for your basic hiring process that still speaks to individual employees.

1. Welcome aboard! We're thrilled to have you join our team. Your expertise in [mention specific skill or experience] is going to be a great asset. Let's achieve great things together!
2. Greetings! Your journey with us begins today, and we couldn't be more excited. As a [job role], your fresh perspective will undoubtedly bring new insights. We're here to support your growth every step of the way.
3. Hello and welcome! Joining our team as a [job role] means you're an essential addition to the crew now. We value diversity, so your unique background will make us stronger. Here's to a fantastic journey ahead!
4. Welcome to the team! Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and we can't wait to see how you'll contribute as our new [job title]. Buckle up for an amazing ride!
5. Greetings, [new employee's name]! We believe in fostering a collaborative environment. Your skills in [mention relevant skills] are a perfect fit for our mission. Let's work together to achieve excellence.
6. Welcome, [new employee's name]! We've been eagerly waiting for you to join our team. Your role as [job title] is crucial, and we're confident you'll excel. Here's to a remarkable future at [company name]!
7. Hello, [new employee's name]! Your experience in [mention specific industry/experience] is exactly what we need. Your insights will be invaluable in our quest for innovation.
8. Warmest welcome, [new employee's name]! Your role as [job title] is pivotal to our success. As we embrace challenges together, know that we're here to support you and your growth.
9. Welcome to the [company name] squad! We celebrate individuality, and your unique background adds to our tapestry. As a [job role], you'll make a significant impact.
10. Greetings, [new employee's name]! Your journey with us starts now, and we're excited to see your talents shine. Together, we'll create a workplace where success knows no bounds.
11. Warmest welcome, [new employee's name]! Your role as [job title] is pivotal, and we're thrilled to have you on board. Reach out with any questions!
12. Welcome, [new employee's name]! Your arrival is a bright spot on our horizon. As a [job title], your contributions will help shape our shared success story.
13. Greetings and a warm welcome, [new employee's name]! We're gearing up for greatness, and your role as [job role] is integral to our journey. Thanks for believing in our mission!
14. Hello, [new employee's name]! Your experience and skills as a [job title] align perfectly with our vision. Your arrival is a promising start to an exciting chapter.
15. Welcome to the [company name] family, [new employee's name]! As a [job role], you're stepping into a world of possibilities. We are excited to make lasting impacts in this industry together.
16. Warmest greetings, [new employee's name]! We're a diverse and dynamic team, and your role as [job title] brings fresh perspectives. Let's embark on this incredible journey together.
17. Greetings, [new employee's name]! Your presence enriches our team. As a [job role], you'll find endless opportunities for growth and innovation here at [company name].
18. Hello and welcome, [new employee's name]! Your unique background and talents as a [job title] make you a perfect fit for our mission. We are thrilled that you’ve decided to join our efforts to achieve greatness together.
19. Welcome, [new employee's name]! We've been eagerly anticipating your arrival. Your role as [job title] is essential, and we're excited to see how you'll help lead us to success.
20. Greetings, [new employee's name]! Your journey with us begins today, and we're ready to embark on this adventure together. As a [job role], you're the missing piece of our puzzle.
21. Hello, [new employee's name]! Your experience and skills as a [job title] make you an invaluable addition to our team. Let's write the next chapter of our success story.

Welcome Messages from the CEO

Messages from the CEO show a new hire that their presence is impactful and noted at every level of an organization. This can go a long way in establishing a sense of belonging and helping people connect to the company’s mission from day one.

22. As the CEO of [company name], I want to welcome you personally to our team. I'm committed to leading with vision and transparency, and you are an essential part of our success. Your journey here is a testament to our shared aspirations. Let's build a brighter future together.
23. "Greetings, [new employee's name]! I'm thrilled to welcome you to our organization. Remember that your success is integral to ours. Embrace challenges, seek growth, and always strive for excellence."
24. "Hello, [new employee's name]! Your presence here signifies our collective pursuit of greatness. We have some great things in store and are thrilled that you will be a part of our journey. Together, we'll shape the future of [industry]."

Welcome Messages from HR

Welcoming messages from HR provide essential information, support, and resources. This helps new employees feel informed, welcomed, and equipped to navigate their journey within the organization with confidence.

25. Welcome to [company name]! Our HR team is here to ensure your onboarding is smooth and seamless. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Your success is our priority!
26. Hello, [new employee's name]! We're here to support you throughout your experience with us. Our HR department is your go-to resource for everything from benefits to career development. Feel free to connect anytime.
27. Greetings, [new employee's name]! As part of our HR team, we're excited to help you settle in and thrive. Your wellbeing and growth matter to us, so please sync up with us for any assistance or guidance.

Messages from the Team

Messages from the team offer invaluable peer support. They help new employees acclimate to the workplace culture, build relationships, and navigate their new roles.

28. Hey [new employee's name]! Welcome to the team. We're excited to have you on board. Your fresh perspective and energy are going to make a big impact here. Looking forward to collaborating together!
29. Hello, [new employee's name]! It's a pleasure to welcome you to our close-knit team. We're here to support you in any way we can. Feel free to reach out if you ever need help or just want to grab a coffee and chat.
30. Warmest welcome, [new employee's name]! We believe in the strength of our team, and your arrival adds to our collective success. You're not just a new hire; you're already a member of a team that is incomplete without you. We’re excited to learn more about you!

7 Thoughtful Welcome Gifts for New Hires

A personalized message is one option for welcoming employees, but you can also get them a fun gift. These gift ideas can help you make your coworkers feel special and excited to start their journey with your organization.

Personalized Welcome Kit

A welcome kit that has company-branded items like notebooks, pens, and coffee mugs can make new hires feel instantly connected to your culture. Adding a personal touch, such as their name on the items, can make it even more memorable.

Tech Gadgets

You can equip your new employees with useful tech gadgets like wireless chargers, Bluetooth headphones, or a high-quality mouse. These items not only show that you care about their comfort but also help them get set up quickly.

Gift Cards

Offering gift cards to popular local restaurants, coffee shops, or online stores gives new employees the flexibility to choose something they love. Who doesn’t love this practical gift?

Wellness Products

You can communicate how much the organization cares about employee wellness with gifts like a yoga mat or reusable water bottle. This shows your commitment to their wellbeing both in and out of the workplace.

Books

A book related to your industry, personal development, or a bestselling novel can be a thoughtful and motivating gift, too. Including a handwritten note explaining why you chose the book adds a personal touch.

Plant

A small desk plant can brighten up their workspace and add a touch of nature to their new environment. It’s a gift that keeps on giving as they nurture and watch it grow.

Desk Accessories

Speaking of desks, useful desk accessories such as a stylish organizer, a good-quality mouse pad, or a fun desk toy can help new employees personalize their workspace.

Welcome them With Wellness 

Creating a welcoming environment goes beyond initial greetings and gifts. A healthy work organizational culture, where employees have real benefits to fall back on, shows each person that their wellness matters.

A wellbeing program does just that. With physical and mental wellness resources, these initiatives tell an employee that the organization will care for their health from day one.

Prioritizing employee wellbeing benefits the company, too. Ninety-eight percent of HR leaders say their wellbeing program reduces turnover, according to Wellhub’s Return on Wellbeing 2024 report. You can better retain your employees, new and old, with the right program! 

Speak with a wellbeing specialist for a helping hand in enhancing employee wellbeing!

Resources:

• Handshake. (2022, January 10). 70 Inclusive Language Principles that Will Make You a More Successful Recruiter. Retrieved October 25, 2023 from https://joinhandshake.com/blog/employers/70-inclusive-language-principles-that-will-make-you-a-more-successful-recruiter/.