Celebration · 10-20 minutes
Birthday celebrations
Make every birthday feel special with a simple, inclusive team ritual that takes ten minutes.
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People moments
Welcoming new joiners
A warm first day that makes new colleagues feel expected, welcome, and part of the team.
- When
- On every joining day
- Duration
- 30-60 minutes
- Budget
- Low
- Who is involved
- HR, the manager, and a buddy
How to plan it - step by step
- 1
Send a welcome note a few days before with the schedule and who to meet.
- 2
Prepare their desk, equipment, and access, and add a small welcome kit.
- 3
Introduce them to the team over a coffee or lunch on day one.
- 4
Assign a buddy who answers the small questions.
- 5
Announce the new joiner with a short profile to the whole company.
Benefits
- Makes people feel valued as individuals.
- Builds warm relationships across the team.
- Improves belonging and loyalty.
- Costs little but is remembered for years.
Celebration ideas
- A welcome kit: notebook, pen, mug, and a handwritten card.
- A “get to know me” slide that the new joiner fills in.
- A team lunch in the first week.
- A welcome video from leaders for remote joiners.
What you need
- A welcome kit and a checklist for equipment and accounts.
- A buddy and a manager with a schedule for the first week.
- A short company announcement template.
Messages you can use
2 notes - click Copy to use one.
- Welcome to the team, [Name]! We are excited to have you with us. Let us know how we can help.
- Please join us in welcoming [Name], who joins as [role]. They bring [skill] and love [interest].
Tips
- Make the first day light on paperwork and heavy on people.
- Check in at the end of day one, week one, and month one.
- Keep welcome kits modest and consistent.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving a new joiner waiting for equipment.
- Introducing them to too many people at once.
- Forgetting remote joiners.
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