Joining a new company can be daunting. On top of adjusting to new responsibilities, it can take some time for employees to warm up and bond with colleagues. With remote working arrangements becoming the norm, welcoming new hires into the team becomes even more challenging, especially since staff can’t interact face-to-face.
But just because your staff are working from home in Singapore, doesn’t mean you have to pause ice breaker activities! Simple corporate team-building exercises such as fun virtual games and events are an excellent way to welcome new team members and help everyone get to know one another.
In this article, we’ll dig into how you can make new staff members feel more at home while working from home and share exciting ice breaker ideas you can try!
Why is it important for new employees to fit into the company?
Regardless of working arrangements, effectively integrating new employees into the company is vital. A good fit can boost their morale, productivity and confidence, as they feel happier about their job environment and colleagues. It motivates them to commit to contributing to the company and increases job satisfaction all around for both new and existing staff.
What can you do to make employees feel welcome?
Here are a few ideas to ensure your new staff have a great experience in the first few weeks and make a smooth transition to their new role:
- Have a virtual onboarding lunch: Things don’t have to be formal when meeting the employee for the first time. Arrange an online lunch so you can discuss how the company works over a meal. You can even arrange to have a nice meal delivered to their home.
- Introduce the colleagues: Set up a meeting for all team members to meet the recruit. You should also encourage the team members to have regular discussions in the first month to check in with how they’re doing.
- Pair them with a mentor: It helps to have someone more experienced in the company guiding them along the way and showing them the ropes.
- Ensure documents and processes are well-organised: Nothing is more confusing than starting a new job with a company that’s disorganised. Ensure all the paperwork and standard operating procedures are in place, so the employee completely understands how things work.
How can you facilitate communication amongst new employees?
It’s often the case that new employees don’t feel comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas when they join a company. They may have a wealth of experience and knowledge, but they’re not sure if it’s welcome in the new environment. Your team needs to make them feel like they can communicate at any time.
One way to improve communication is to plan regular corporate team-building exercises throughout the year. It takes them out of the isolated remote working environment and encourages them to brainstorm new ways of doing things.
What type of bonding activities can you arrange?
If you’re wondering which type of activities to organise, why not engage a virtual team-building company like Making Teams? As Singapore’s top provider for online team-building events, we offer a vast range of fun virtual activities that serve as excellent ice breakers for new staff and remote teams. For example, you can send them on an online Treasure Hunt, or they can unleash their inner Sherlock Holmes and work together to complete a Murder Mystery game.
If your team is good at following clues, you can customise a virtual Escape Room that matches your company’s objectives or brand. For a more adventurous undertaking, you can send them on an Amazing Race online across several international destinations. No matter which activity you choose, your new employees are sure to have loads of fun!
Make new employees feel welcome with Making Teams
There’s so much you can do to make new employees feel at home, no matter where they work. In the long run, you’ll see improved communication, boosted staff morale and better performance. We have a host of virtual games you can have a look at for your team. Find out more about our virtual games and activities, and feel free to reach out to us for more information.
