Office Employee Onboarding Ideas
Congratulations, your team just got bigger! Welcoming a new employee is an exciting moment, but it can also feel overwhelming for the new hire. A well-designed onboarding process helps ease that transition, turning first-day jitters into enthusiasm and long-term engagement.
At Adventure Games Inc., we know that great company culture starts with connection. Whether your new employee works remotely or in person, thoughtful onboarding activities can help them feel part of the team from day one. Here are creative and proven onboarding ideas to help you make 2026 your most connected year yet.
The best onboarding ideas combine fun, connection, and clarity. Offer office tours, personalized welcome cards, team-building games, shared meals, and thoughtful gifts to make new employees feel valued and engaged from day one.
1. Give an Engaging Office Tour
An office tour is more than just showing where the restrooms and coffee machines are. It is your chance to make a great first impression. Assign a friendly team member to walk the new hire through the workspace, introducing them to coworkers and explaining where key resources are located.
If your team works remotely, offer a virtual office tour using a quick video call or recorded walkthrough. This small step helps new employees feel oriented, comfortable, and part of the workplace right away.
2. Create a Personalized Welcome Card
A team welcome card is a simple yet powerful gesture. Have each team member write a short note, include a motivational quote, or share a funny comment to help break the ice.
When employees receive handwritten notes from their new teammates, it sets a positive tone and creates an immediate sense of belonging. You can even turn this into a digital e-card for hybrid or remote teams.
3. Play Team-Building Games
Nothing builds trust and friendship faster than shared fun. Team-building games are ideal for integrating new employees and energizing the whole team.
One of our favorite choices is Minute Wars, an energetic indoor game show style event where teams face off in one minute challenges to claim the title of champion. Other experiences, like SpyGame and Office Escape, inspire strategic thinking, teamwork, and plenty of laughter, creating the perfect formula for lasting connections.
As Chad Michael, founder of Adventure Games Inc., says, “The best onboarding experiences do more than introduce. They connect. Games give new hires a reason to feel part of the mission.”
4. Share a Meal Together
Food brings people together, and sharing a meal can help break down walls faster than any formal meeting.
Here are a few ideas for mealtime onboarding:
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Host a welcome lunch at a favorite local restaurant.
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Organize a potluck or themed catered meal in the office.
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Host a “cook and connect” event where employees prepare and share recipes together.
These experiences spark conversation, foster empathy, and remind everyone that great teams are built around shared experiences.
5. Give a Thoughtful Welcome Gift
Everyone loves a thoughtful surprise. A welcome gift is a great way to say, “We’re glad you’re here.” For in-office employees, leave a basket of goodies on their desk, such as chocolates, coffee, snacks, or branded gear.
For remote workers, send a digital gift card to places like Starbucks or Target, or mail a care package with treats and company swag. Not only does this make a lasting first impression, but it is also a great opportunity to showcase your company culture on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Employee Onboarding
What is the purpose of onboarding?
Onboarding helps new employees integrate into company culture, understand expectations, and build relationships from the start.
What are fun ways to welcome new employees?
Plan office tours, host team lunches, organize games like Minute Wars, and give welcome gifts. ADP says, The ADP Research Institute found that employees who have a formal onboarding process are 8.5 times more likely to say HR is value-promoting than those who don’t go through formal onboarding.
How does team building improve retention?
It builds trust, encourages collaboration, and makes employees feel valued and connected.
Can remote employees be onboarded effectively?
Yes. Use virtual tours, digital welcome cards, and online team-building experiences like SpyGame to connect them.
How do team-building games improve onboarding?
Team-building games accelerate trust and communication. When new hires collaborate on challenges or problem-solving missions, they get to know their teammates’ personalities, strengths, and styles. This shared sense of accomplishment breaks barriers, creates belonging, and helps employees start contributing faster. It transforms onboarding from information overload into an experience of connection and engagement.
Why are welcome gifts important during onboarding?
Welcome gifts symbolize appreciation and inclusion. They show new employees that their arrival is meaningful and that they are already part of the company’s story. Whether it is branded gear, a handwritten note, or a care package, a welcome gift sparks pride and excitement. It also reinforces the culture of gratitude that every great workplace needs.
Make The Work Fun from Day One
Onboarding should not feel like a checklist. It should feel like a celebration. Team-building activities from Adventure Games Inc. help new hires feel valued and inspired from the start.
From solving spy missions to cracking puzzles as a team, our experiences help employees connect quickly, communicate better, and have fun doing it. A strong first week sets the tone for a strong year ahead.
Make Your Onboarding Memorable With Adventure Games Inc.
AdVenture Games wants to work with you to keep your teams and leaders conversing and succeeding. We love what we do and look forward to bringing our inspiring team-building activities to your organization. Request a quote or call us at (866)587-2125 or (760)444-0515.
