How to welcome a new colleague in the team and put aside your competitive nature

We often tend to forget that not so long time ago we ourselves just got onboard, starting a new professional adventure in a new company. Can you remember how you felt those mixed emotions during your first day in the office? The faces, the voices, the welcoming, the official introduction made you feel anxious, intimidated, confused and stirred. The first day of work can be a very stressful and exhausting moment because every single element surrounding you is both challenging and completely unknown.

How can you welcome a new colleague?

Send a welcome email

A nice way to make your new team member feel appreciated is to send them a welcome email. It’s a great way of making them feel already part of the team. It can anticipate the activities of their first day at work. Also remember to include in the message the main contacts of the people that will show them around.

Invite them to lunch on their first day

Another great way to create a good contact and get to know your new colleague is to propose an informal lunch. After an exhausting and hectic morning, the new hire will definitely thank you for this nice thought. You don’t need to choose a fancy place, just pick a regular one where you and your team usually go. 

Show them around while having a coffee

Giving a new colleague a tour of the office, offer him or her something to drink (a cup of coffee or tea), this will help loose the tension and enjoy a pleasant chat. Usually, company tours don’t last very long but still remain a bit stressful, so instead of making the new hire nervous, choose two or three places that are crucial for his or her orientation. It’s better not to rush: remember to tell some essential facts and details – the new hire is not going to remember everything, considering the amount of people and situations that he/she has to handle.

Be generous and help them if they can’t find their way in the office

During the first couple of days, your new mate will need the right amount of support, for example, a classical one is finding the photocopy room. A simple thing that, if explained well enough, will have a positive impact on their path in the company. Anticipate if you can some details that you think they will need or ask for.

If well designed, the first day of work, will become awesome experience for your new team member and boost his or her productivity and engagement. It’ all about building up trust!

Are you interested in learning more about life in the office? Our blog posts will give you the right tips for any situation.