Coming up with ideas on how to introduce a new team member virtually as a manager and introducing yourself as a new employee to the team is quite difficult.
You need to think about what to say, when, and how to say it. This is why we came up with some ideas (including some team-building activities) and samples on how to introduce a new team member virtually.
How do you introduce new team members virtually - a timeline
We decided to break the introduction of the new team member into three parts: before an employee joins, the day of, and after.
1. Before joining
Before a new employee joins, we recommend alerting your current team of the new joiner at least 3 days beforehand. This will give them more context; they won't be surprised about the new joiner and will, in turn, make the new employee feel more welcome. To do so, you can use the communication tool of your choice, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Email, or any other tool. Here is a sample of how to introduce new team members virtually:
“ Hey team, John is joining the marketing team next Monday as a Content Manager. Let’s make John feel welcome by connecting with him on LinkedIn and dropping him a message [insert link]. For those who’ll work closely with John, please remember to schedule 1-1s with him.”
P.S. Make sure you get the permission of the new joiner to share their LinkedIn profile.
2. First day: Fun ways to introduce them
The first day is usually extremely busy for both the employee and the manager, so keep things simple here.
Send out a Slack/ Teams/ Email message to your team
Now, it’s time to introduce your new team member to the team. When introducing the new team member, encourage your current employees to give a warm welcome to the new hire and arrange a 1 on 1. Here is a sample of how you can formulate this message:
“ Hey, team! Let’s give a warm welcome to John, who will support the marketing team as Content Manager. John has previously worked at [X company] and [something personal about John that he wants to share]. Welcome to the team, John!
Organize a short coffee break
If you are working remotely, invite the team to join and meet on Zoom or any other video communication platform. This will allow the new employee to meet some of their new colleagues in a relaxed and casual manner. A nice way to make the new employee feel welcome.
Keep it fun with some ‘get to know me’ games
When the new team member joins, make sure everyone gets to know each other and foster interpersonal relationships. Here are some fun ways to introduce new team members virtually:
- Play a round of Guess What? and Work Buddy on Gomada. These activities will allow your new employee to get to know the rest of your team in a fun and entertaining way.
- Play “Never Have I Ever” work edition. Get your team members to fill out a form with three random things they have never done. In a video call with your team members, recite those things and see who drinks from their cup. You can then encourage them to elaborate on things they have done.
- Play “Rose, thorn, bud”. This game can create a shared feeling of optimism and energy amongst the team and is a great way to make your new employee feel included, nurtured, and connected.
3. After joining, keep building the relationships
- Assign a work buddy to them to show them the ropes of your virtual office and practical things at your organization.
- Check in on them frequently in the beginning, then taper off. Have regular check ins during their first and second week. This will make them feel cared for and supported.
- Make sure they have regular connections with other team members by organizing regular one on ones, coffee breaks and monthly team building activities.
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