We’re already halfway through the year (can you believe it’s June already?), and summer brings its own wave of change. New graduates entering the workforce, people making career moves before the autumn rush, teams growing as projects ramp up. And let’s be honest – starting a new job is nerve-wracking, no matter how many times you’ve done it before.

When someone joins your team, you have a brilliant opportunity to make them feel valued from day one. You’ve worked hard to build something special at your company – now it’s time to help your new starter find their place in it.

The way you welcome new employees sets the tone for everything that follows. So, let’s talk about creating an onboarding experience that excites people to join your team.

Give Them a Roadmap (Not a Mountain of Paperwork)

Create a simple checklist for those first few weeks – but make it about connections, not admin. Think less “fill out these 47 forms” and more “meet Sarah from Marketing, she makes the best coffee and knows where all the good lunch spots are.”

Do this: Create a structured plan spread across their first few weeks
Not this: Leave them wondering what happens next
Definitely not this: Forget they’re starting (yes, we’ve heard the horror stories)

Set Everything Up Before They Arrive

Nothing says “we’re glad you’re here” quite like having everything ready and waiting. Ask someone on your team to be the go-to person for making sure your new starter has what they need.

Do this: Have their workspace ready, tech set up, access sorted
Not this: Scramble to find them a desk on day one
Definitely not this: Hand them an Allen key and point to a flat-pack chair

Find Them a Friend

Remember your first day at school? Having a buddy makes all the difference. Choose someone who’ll show them the important stuff – where to grab coffee, how the lunch routine works, even where to find the good biscuits.

Here’s something that might surprise you: companies with buddy programmes see new hire efficiency jump by 87%. Yet less than half actually do it.

Do this: Pair them with someone friendly who remembers what it’s like to be new
Not this: Assume they’ll figure out where everything is
Definitely not this: Let them eat lunch alone on day one

Think Beyond Week One

Great onboarding can boost retention by up to 82%. That’s huge. But it takes more than a week for someone to feel at home. Give them time to absorb the culture, understand how things work, and find their rhythm.

Do this: Plan check-in throughout their first month (and beyond)
Not this: Cram everything into day one
Definitely not this: Say hello and leave them to sink or swim

Welcome Them With Something Special

Whether it arrives at their home before day one or waits on their desk, a thoughtfully curated welcome pack speaks volumes. We’re talking about the essentials that make them feel part of the team – a quality notebook, their own mug for the kitchen, maybe even a sweet treat for that 3pm slump.

Do this: Send them a welcome pack that shows you’ve thought about what they’ll need
Not this: Hand them a branded pen and call it done
Definitely not this: Give them nothing (except maybe imposter syndrome)

Make It a Team Effort

Get everyone involved. Plan a relaxed team lunch for their first day. Ask your current team what they wish they’d known when they started. Create an environment where questions are welcomed, not just tolerated.

Do this: Rally the whole team to make them feel welcome
Not this: Introduce them once and assume they’ll remember everyone
Definitely not this: Forget to invite them when the team goes for lunch

Don’t Forget Remote Starters

With more people working from home, your onboarding might happen through a screen. That doesn’t mean it has to feel distant. Virtual coffee chats, online team lunches, and regular check-ins can create connection across any distance.

The way you welcome new people to your team matters more than you might think. It’s the difference between someone who turns up for work and loves being part of what you’re building.

Because at the end of the day, great onboarding isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about making people feel they belong. And that feeling? That’s what turns new starters into your biggest champions.

Ready to create welcome packs that make new starters smile? That’s what we do best at Swagpack. Let’s chat about how we can help you nail those first impressions.