10 Onboarding activities to make new employees feel welcome

Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The onboarding process is crucial. It’s not just about introducing new hires to their roles but also about integrating them into the company culture, building relationships, and setting the stage for long-term success. A well-executed onboarding process can make new employees feel welcomed, valued, and confident from day one, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

The importance of a solid onboarding process cannot be overstated. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. This is particularly significant for SMBs, where every team member's contribution is vital to the company’s overall performance. A thoughtful onboarding process helps ensure that new employees are not just filling a position but are becoming integral parts of the team, ready to contribute to the company’s success.

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. New hires have high expectations from their employers, and the onboarding experience can set the tone for their entire tenure with the company. A warm, welcoming, and well-structured onboarding process can differentiate your company from competitors and make a lasting positive impression on new employees. It’s an opportunity to convey your company’s values, culture, and commitment to employee growth and well-being.

Let’s dive into these strategies to ensure your new hires start their journey with your company on the right foot.

1. Welcome packages

A well-thought-out welcome package can make a lasting first impression. Consider including branded merchandise like a company t-shirt, notebook, and pen, as well as a personal welcome letter from the CEO. A small gesture like this can make new hires feel appreciated and part of the team from day one.

Research by Glassdoor shows that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. So, investing in a thoughtful welcome package is definitely worth it.

2. Office tour and introductions

Giving new employees a tour of the office on their first day helps them get familiar with their new environment. During the tour, introduce them to their colleagues, pointing out key areas like the kitchen, restrooms, and breakout spaces.

Personal introductions help new hires put faces to names and begin building relationships. According to a study by BambooHR, 31% of new hires leave a job within the first six months, often due to a lack of connection. Making those initial connections can significantly reduce this risk.

3. Assign a buddy or mentor

Pairing new employees with a buddy or mentor can provide them with a go-to person for questions and support. This person can help them navigate the company's culture, processes, and unwritten rules, making the transition smoother.

A mentorship programme can be highly beneficial, with a survey by HCI revealing that 87% of organisations that use mentorship programmes report increased confidence and skills among new hires. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure new employees feel supported.

4. Team lunch or coffee

Organising a team lunch or coffee meet-up during the first week can help new hires get to know their colleagues in a relaxed, informal setting. This can foster a sense of belonging and break down initial barriers.

Building social connections early on is crucial for integration. Gallup research indicates that having a best friend at work can increase employee satisfaction by 50%. While it's not guaranteed that a team lunch will create best friends, it certainly helps build camaraderie.

5. Comprehensive orientation session

An in-depth orientation session covering the company's history, mission, values, and goals can provide new employees with a solid foundation. Include practical information about company policies, benefits, and procedures to ensure they have all the information they need.

Orientation sessions are a great opportunity to align new hires with the company's vision and culture. According to SHRM, organisations with a standard onboarding process experience 50% greater new hire productivity.

6. Personalised training plan

Tailoring a training plan to each new employee's role and experience level can help them get up to speed quickly and feel more confident in their new position. This can include a mix of on-the-job training, online courses, and shadowing experienced colleagues.

A personalised approach to training ensures that new hires receive the support they need to succeed. According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.

7. Check-in meetings

Regular check-in meetings with managers and HR during the first few months can help new employees feel supported and valued. These meetings provide an opportunity to address any concerns, gather feedback, and ensure they are settling in well.

Frequent communication is key to successful onboarding. A study by BambooHR found that 45% of employees who had a structured onboarding process were more likely to remain with the company for longer than three years.

8. Fun and engaging activities

Incorporate fun and engaging activities into the onboarding process to help new employees relax and bond with their colleagues. This could include team-building exercises, icebreaker games, or even a company trivia quiz.

Engaging onboarding activities can boost morale and foster a positive work environment. A report by the Brandon Hall Group found that organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.

9. Clear job expectations and goals

Setting clear job expectations and goals from the start ensures that new employees understand what is expected of them and can work towards specific targets. This clarity can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence.

Employees who have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities are more likely to be productive and satisfied in their jobs. According to a Gallup study, only 50% of employees strongly agree that they know what is expected of them at work, highlighting the importance of clear communication.

10. Ongoing support and feedback

Onboarding shouldn’t end after the first week or month. Providing ongoing support and feedback is crucial for long-term success. Regular performance reviews, feedback sessions, and opportunities for professional development can help new employees grow and thrive within the company.

Continuous support is vital for employee development and retention. A study by Gartner revealed that companies with effective onboarding programmes achieve 50% higher new hire retention. This underscores the importance of maintaining a supportive environment beyond the initial onboarding period.

Implementing these onboarding activities can make a significant difference in how new employees perceive their new workplace. By making them feel welcome, valued, and supported, SMBs can set the stage for long-term success and employee satisfaction.