As entrepreneurs, we often get stuck going through the same daily motions. But when a new member joins the team, how can you make sure you take time out of your busy schedule to make them feel welcome? Twelve entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) share their favorite tips on ways to welcome a new team member.
1. Send Them a Handwritten Note
We love to send handwritten notes at ONA—to customers, vendors, friends of the brand, etc. I think a handwritten welcome note from the team is a nice, unexpected gesture. To make it more fun, you could include a stamped portrait of the team members or coordinate to get your team member their own personalized stamp as well.
- Tracy Foster, ONA
2. Don't Ditch the Fanfare
Hiring new employees is big—it's like announcing a new family member to the group. You don't want people to slip into their roles unnoticed, which is why I often get everyone on a call or a meeting immediately to give the team member a warm welcome. I try to begin with connecting with them personally—identifying them as a human to the rest of the group. Then we can get into the work.
- Rob Fulton, Matikis
3. Be Prepared for Them
It’s probably sad that this qualifies as different, but preparing workspaces and credentials ahead of time can make a new employee’s first days noticeably more welcoming than one filled with awkward downtime and disorganization.
- Sam Saxton, Salter Spiral Stair and Mylen Stairs
4. Share Fun Facts
We welcome every new hire with a short team meeting during which we each share a fun fact about ourselves! This exercise is fun and entertaining but moreover, it gives new hires the opportunity to engage with team members on a more personal level, ultimately shining a light on who we are both individually and collectively. - Erica Bell, Hukkster
5. Schedule 1-on-1 Time
As a small business, the most important asset you have is your people. Individual contributors are great, but true camaraderie can mean the difference between success and failure. From day one we invest in having new hires know the work that everyone does; equally important is that they know who our teammates are outside of Modify. Scheduling long one-on-ones with all teammates is a great start!
- Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches
6. Throw Them a Company Birthday Party
Welcome your new employee with a first birthday party and then celebrate with a lunch every year after. It's a great way for the team to celebrate and a reminder to review goals and challenges.
- Vanessa Van Edwards, Science of People
7. Get Them Involved
We are a chocolate company, so on a new employee's first day we have them create their own chocolate bar combinations and take them home. This is a great way to get them involved in what the core of our business is, introduce them to different team members, and make them feel appreciated with a personal gift from us.
8. Make Intros to Key Stakeholders
At Yodle, we introduce new employees—regardless of level and position—to the company’s leaders. This helps employees feel like they're a part of the overall mission of the company, and increases their loyalty and engagement for the long haul. - John Berkowitz, Yodle
9. Pick Up the Phone
No one makes phone calls anymore, so it will blow their minds when you (or the CEO of your company) welcomes them this way on the first day. Don't leave a voicemail, though. If no one picks up, text the new hire your number and say why you're calling. The most important thing is making the overture, not whether you actually connect.
- Alexandra Levit, Inspiration at Work
10. Do Happy Hour Before Their Start Date
At ZinePak, we schedule happy hour drinks one night the week BEFORE every new hire begins. This gives the new addition a chance to meet the team in a social setting and talk about things other than work. This way, when he/she starts on the first day, there's already a familiarity with everyone. We've found that it's a great way to introduce our culture and reduce the stress of starting a new job.
11. Plan a Team Outing
Making new employees feel at home, especially on day one, is an important part of our growing company. We make our new employees feel welcome by greeting them with a welcome kit filled with company swag, arranging meetings with the various departments so they can see what each person does, as well as planning a team outing shortly after their arrival.
12. Grab Lunch
I always make a point of having lunch with a new employee on their first day. I've found it helps put them at ease, gives them an informal atmosphere for questions and excitement and helps develop a more personal relationship. Honestly I wish I did this more with employees generally, but on the first day it's crucial. - Carlo Cisco, SELECT
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