Engagement and Recognition
Top 10 Employee Recognition Software of 2026 (Compared by Team Type)
A practical comparison of the best employee recognition platforms HR teams use in 2026.
Jonathan Fields
January 26, 2026
Encourage collaboration and teamwork with a recognition program that is effective and enjoyable!
Book a demo now to take advantage of some incredible offers!
Five memorable ways to welcome a new employee, including practical welcome templates you can use right away.
You've done the hard part by finding & hiring an excellent new employee.
The interviews are over, the offer is accepted, and their first day is just around the corner. But here's the thing: the work of making this hire successful doesn't end when they sign the contract. It actually begins the moment they walk through your door (real or virtual).
Nearly 80% of professionals feel nervous before starting a new job. That mix of excitement and anxiety? It's universal. They're wondering if they'll fit in, whether they made the right choice, and if their new team will actually welcome them or just tolerate them.
The difference between a good hire and a great one often comes down to those first few days. Did they feel seen? Celebrated? Supported? Or did they spend their first week drowning in paperwork, wondering if anyone even noticed they started?
This isn't just about being nice but it's a retention strategy. A thoughtful welcome reduces new hire anxiety, accelerates time to productivity, and builds the kind of connection that keeps top talent from quietly updating their LinkedIn profiles six months in.
In this article, we're giving you everything you need to nail those critical first impressions: 30 ready-to-use welcome message templates organized by role and scenario, 5 memorable welcome activities that go beyond the standard orientation.
Whether you're welcoming your first employee or your hundredth, these strategies will help you create an onboarding experience people remember for all the right reasons.
A new employee announcement is an excellent starting point. You should let everyone on the team know that a new person is joining and briefly introduce your new employee.
Instead of just sharing a name and role, add a personal touch. Highlight why the new hire joined, what they’ll be working on, or something fun about them. This instantly humanizes the introduction.
With Assembly, you can share announcements with the entire company or just the relevant teams. Using the Celebrate a Teammate flow adds a celebratory tone, not just an informational one.
Here’s how:
When teammates can react and comment on the post, it creates instant visibility and interaction. That early engagement helps new hires start building relationships faster and feel like part of the team, not just “the new person.”
Even the best onboarding plans can’t replace having a real person to turn to. A buddy program helps new hires navigate culture, tools, and unwritten rules without feeling awkward.
The key is pairing thoughtfully. Start by getting some basic information about the new employee’s interests and hobbies and match them with someone they’ll genuinely connect with.
A new hire might feel even more nervous if you send someone from the HR team with a survey form. After all, don’t we all feel the pressure of giving answers that make us likable when we’re new? 😬
So instead, make the process a bit more personal with Assembly’s Onboarding Survey template. It will give new hires the space to answer with freedom and at their own comfort.
Be clear that responses are only used to support the buddy program. When new employees feel safe sharing, the pairing feels intentional, not forced. That early connection often becomes one of the most memorable parts of onboarding.
You don’t need a big event to make someone feel welcome. A casual coffee break, donuts after work, or a short team get-together creates space for informal conversations.
These small moments help new hires meet people outside their immediate team and break the ice naturally.
You can even make this a recurring tradition for new hires. And for ongoing moments like birthdays or work anniversaries, Assembly can automate celebrations and rewards so no milestone gets missed.
A one-on-one lunch is one of the easiest ways to ease first-week nerves. Conversations feel more relaxed and less performative outside the office setting.
New employees often hesitate to ask questions early on. Lunch gives them space to clarify expectations, learn team norms, and get context they might not feel comfortable asking for in meetings.
For managers, it’s also a chance to build trust from day one. Assembly’s Lunch Order Flow makes coordinating team lunches easy, removing logistics from the equation so you can focus on the conversation.
Onboarding gifts still work, as long as they don’t feel generic.
Instead of the same item for everyone, choose something personal. A custom mug, a small desk item, or a note referencing their interests goes a long way. If they’ve relocated, a local guide or restaurant gift card can feel especially thoughtful.
Assembly makes it easy to send swag, culture rewards, or gift options that can be tailored to each new hire. Adding a handwritten note or personal message keeps the gift from feeling automated.
It’s not about spending more. It’s about showing you paid attention.
Assembly makes it easy to do something special for employees with the built-in swag store, culture and gift rewards.
Right words can turn nervous energy into genuine excitement. Whether you're a manager setting the tone, a peer breaking the ice, or a team member welcoming new leadership, these ready-to-use templates help you say "welcome" in a way that actually feels welcoming.
Use these messages in emails, Slack channels, team announcements, or one-on-one introductions.
"Welcome to the team, [Name]! We're genuinely excited to have you here. You bring [specific skill/experience], and we can't wait to see the impact you'll make. I've blocked time on your calendar for [time] today so we can connect, answer any questions, and set you up for a great first week. Let me know if you need anything in the meantime!"
"Hi [Name], glad you're here! I've prepared an onboarding plan for your first few weeks, but we'll adjust it based on what works best for you. Let's meet at [time] to walk through everything. Looking forward to working together."
"Welcome aboard, [Name]! Starting a new role can feel overwhelming, but you're not expected to know everything on day one. We're here to help you learn, grow, and succeed. I'll check in with you regularly, but my door is always open. Excited to have you on the team!"
"[Name], welcome to the team! We're thrilled to have someone with your background in [area of expertise] joining us. You'll be working on [project/initiative], which is critical to [company goal]. I know you're going to make a real difference here. "
"Hey [Name]! Welcome to the team! We're so glad you're here. You're joining a group that values collaboration, celebrates wins, and knows when to laugh at ourselves. Let's grab coffee/jump on a call to kick things off properly."
"Welcome, [Name]! You're joining a team that's passionate about [company value/mission]. Your experience in [area] aligns perfectly with where we're headed, and I'm excited to see how your perspective shapes our work."
"Hi [Name], welcome to your new remote home base! I know virtual onboarding can feel a bit disjointed, but we're committed to making you feel connected from day one. I've sent you a calendar invite for our video intro at [time]. In the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out with questions over Slack, email, WhatsApp whatever works!"
"Hey [Name], just wanted to check in, how's your first week treating you? I know there's a lot to absorb when you're new. Let me know if anything's unclear or if you need support with anything. We're here to help you succeed, so don't hesitate to speak up."
"[Name], welcome to the team! You were hired because of your talent, your ideas, and your potential to make an impact. We want to hear your perspective and even (especially) if it challenges how we've always done things. Let's schedule time to discuss how you want to approach your first 90 days."
"Welcome, [Name]! You've officially joined a team that takes our work seriously but ourselves not so much. Expect collaboration, encouragement, occasional awkward team photos, and way too many Slack channels.
"Hey [Name]! Welcome to the team. I'm [Your Name] and I work on [your role/area]. Really excited to have you here. If you ever want to chat, ask questions, or just find where the good snacks are hidden, I'm your person. Seriously, don't hesitate to reach out!"
"Welcome! Pro tip from someone who's been here a while: ask all the questions, take notes, and don't trust any meeting labeled 'quick sync.' 😄 Looking forward to working with you. Let me know if you need help navigating anything!"
"So glad you're here, [Name]! The team just got stronger. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you (and probably complaining about printers together). Let's grab coffee/jump on a call sometime next week so I can give you the real scoop on how things work around here."
"Welcome aboard! Can't wait to work with you and shamelessly borrow your good ideas. Let us know how we can help as you settle in. We've all been the new person before, so we know it takes time to find your groove. You've got this!"
"Hi [Name]! Just wanted to say welcome and don't worry, we all pretended to understand everything at first too. It takes a few weeks to get your bearings, and that's completely normal. I'm around if you ever want to chat or need help with anything!"
"New person alert and we're pumped! 🎉 I'm [Your Name], and I work on [team/project]. Looking forward to learning from you and working alongside you. Fair warning: we might drag you into trivia night or [team tradition]. Welcome to the crew!"
"Hey [Name], welcome! It takes time to find your rhythm in a new place, so no pressure to have it all figured out immediately. We've all been the new kid and you're in good hands. Let's connect soon so I can properly welcome you and answer any questions."
"Welcome to the team, [Name]! I'm [Your Name] on the [department/team]. Really looking forward to working with you. I know the first few days can be a lot, so feel free to reach out if you need anything or want to grab a virtual coffee to chat."
"You made it! Really happy to have you with us. Let's connect soon so I can give you the unofficial tour - who to know, what to avoid, and where the best lunch spots are. Excited to have another friendly face in the mix!"
"Welcome, [Name]! We're big on collaboration, good vibes, and celebrating wins big and small. You're joining a great group of people, and I'm looking forward to what we'll accomplish together. Hit me up if you ever need a sounding board or a partner in [inside joke/activity]!"
"Welcome to the team! We're excited to have you leading the charge. We're a group that values open communication, collaboration, and honest feedback and we're looking forward to learning from your experience. Let us know how we can support you as you settle in!"
"Hi and welcome! We know stepping into a new leadership role comes with a learning curve, and we're here to help you succeed. We promise to do our best, offer candid feedback, and only occasionally ask impossible questions. Looking forward to working with you!"
"So glad you're here! Every team needs direction, clarity, and someone who remembers to unmute on video calls and we're confident that's you. We're eager to hear your ideas and grateful to have fresh perspective. Welcome aboard!"
"Welcome! We're a crew that works hard, supports each other, and appreciates a good GIF now and then. We're looking forward to your leadership and excited to see where your vision takes us. Let's do great things together!"
"Welcome to the team! We believe good leadership is about listening, learning, and showing up and you're already off to a great start by being here. We're ready to collaborate, communicate, and build something meaningful together. Looking forward to what's ahead!"
"Welcome to [Team Name], [Name]! We're thrilled to have you join us from [previous team/department]. You already know how things work around here, but we promise this side has better [snacks/vibes/meeting times]. Let's catch up soon. I'd love to hear what brought you over!"
"Congrats on the move, [Name]! We're so excited you chose to join our team. You bring valuable experience and perspective that we really need right now. Looking forward to working with you in this new capacity. Let's connect soon to chat about what's ahead!"
"Welcome aboard (again)! 😊 We're glad you didn't go far and even happier that you chose to land with us. You already speak the company language, so we're halfway to success. Looking forward to collaborating in this new chapter!"
"Hey [Name]! Welcome to your new home base. We'll help you settle in, but we might still quiz you on where the good meeting rooms are since you've got insider knowledge. Excited to see what you'll bring to the team. Let's make this transition smooth!"
"So great to have you here, [Name]! An internal move always comes with fresh energy and familiar faces, which makes everything a little easier. You already know the ropes and now we'll just show you how we do things (slightly differently but just as chaotically) over here. Welcome!"
A warm welcome makes new employees a lot more comfortable. Think of yourself when you started the job. On the first day, you probably felt unfamiliar. Would you have felt better if there was a small surprise office party at the end of your first working day? 😁
The focus is on you for a few minutes and you meet everyone on the team and other departments. It fast-tracks building connections which could’ve otherwise taken a week.
Why put new employees through that stress? Give them a memorable beginning and help them get settled in faster.
If you’re also looking for ways to promote interpersonal relationship building among existing staff members, try Assembly.
Assembly is a modern intranet solution that helps enterprises connect their teams on an interactive platform. Employees can wish each other, collaborate on projects, and even request time off via Assembly.
If that sounds interesting, sign up for Assembly.
Get the foundational knowledge on creating an employee recognition program that boosts employee engagement and helps them feel valued.
Explore Guide
