What to Write on a Welcome to the Team Card

Starting a new job is exciting and just a bit terrifying – new faces, systems and unfamiliar snack drawers. In those first few days, a simple welcome message can be the difference between feeling like “the new guy” and feeling like part of the team.

Research consistently shows that early belonging has a lasting impact. Employees who feel supported and socially integrated early are more engaged, more confident and more likely to stay long term. A Welcome to the Team card might seem small – but it sends a clear signal: We want you here. 

If you’re not sure what to write, we’ve got a whole army of message ideas up our sleeve. 

Friendly + Warm Welcome Messages

These are perfect for creating immediate belonging – and let’s be honest – the first day at a new job feels a bit like the first day of school. You’re smiling on the outside while internally panicking about new people and strange acronyms. 

That’s why warm, friendly welcome messages matter. They instantly soften the edges of the unknown. A simple, genuine note can reduce first-day nerves and replace them with something far more powerful: belonging. These messages don’t need to be Shakespeare-approved – they just need to feel human. Here are some friendly, feel-good examples you can use:

• “Welcome to the team! We’re so excited you’re here – it already feels like a great addition.”
• “So glad you’ve joined us! You’re going to fit right in.”
• “Welcome aboard! We’ve been looking forward to this.”
• “Thrilled to have you with us – can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
• “It’s not every day we get someone this talented joining us – welcome!”
• “We’re genuinely so happy you’re here. Let the adventure begin.”
• “Big welcome! The team just got even better.”
• “So excited to start working together – shout if you need anything at all.”
• “Welcome! We promise the Slack chaos makes sense eventually.”
• “You survived the interviews – now you’re officially one of us.”

The sweet spot? Keep it simple, sincere and upbeat. The goal isn’t to impress – it’s to reassure. 

Because on day one, the best message you can send is: You belong here.

Funny Welcome Messages

A little humour goes a long way on someone’s first day. Starting a new job is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. A light, playful message can break the tension and remind a new hire that they’ve joined a team of good people – not just calendar invites and project trackers.

The key? Keep it friendly, not risky. You’re aiming for light-hearted not “what have I signed up for?”

Here are some funny welcome messages that keep things light:

• “Congrats on joining us – we promise we’re (mostly) normal.”
• “Welcome aboard! The coffee’s strong and the Slack threads are longer.”
• “You made it through the interviews – impressive. Welcome!”
• “Don’t worry, you’ll learn what all the acronyms mean by week three. Maybe.”
• “Big welcome! We saved you a seat… and about 47 Slack notifications.”
• “Welcome to the team – don’t worry, snacks are non-negotiable.”
• “Welcome! Step one: ask questions. Step two: …ask questions.”
• “Congrats on joining the best team ever. No bias.”

Keep it light, not overwhelming – humour should ease nerves, not add to them.

Professional & Serious Welcome Messages

For more corporate or formal settings. Professional welcome messages are about confidence, clarity and respect. This tone works particularly well in corporate environments, client-facing roles or leadership positions.

Here are some strong, professional examples – feel free to tweak them to suit your company. 

• “Welcome to the team. We are pleased to have you join us and look forward to your contributions.”
• “Congratulations on your new role – your experience and expertise will be a valuable addition.”
• “We are confident you will make a meaningful impact here. Welcome aboard.”
• “It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the organisation. We look forward to working together.”
• “Your skills and perspective are a great fit for our team – welcome.”
• “We’re excited to have you join us and contribute to our continued success.”
• “We appreciate the thought and effort you’ve already brought to the process. Welcome.”
• “On behalf of the team, welcome. We’re looking forward to a strong partnership.”

Professional doesn’t have to mean distant. The most effective formal messages still feel intentional and considered.

Welcome to the Team From the Boss 

A manager’s message should set the tone for trust, support and belief in their potential.

• “We’re so excited you’ve joined the team. I’m looking forward to supporting you as you settle in.”
• “You stood out during the hiring process, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.”
• “Welcome – my door (and inbox) is always open.”

Managers should focus on reassurance and building confidence.

Welcome to the Team From a Colleague  

Colleagues can be warmer and more informal – if your team is full of banter and jokes, go for a humorous line. If you want to play it safe, keep it light and friendly.

• “So excited to be working with you – shout if you need anything!”
• “Welcome! Happy to be your unofficial Slack guide.”
• “Can’t wait to collaborate – you’re going to smash it.”

Peer messages help reduce first-week awkwardness and they let the new hire know that they’ve joined a warm team that knows how to have a bit of a laugh.

Welcome to the Team From Clients or Partners

For customer-facing roles, a welcome from clients can be powerful. Keep it respectful and warm.

• “Welcome – looking forward to working with you.”
• “Excited to have you as our new point of contact.”
• “We’ve heard great things – welcome aboard!”

How to Make the Perfect Group Welcome Card

So you’re feeling inspired – good, because we’re going to give you the recipe for a future of brilliant, well-landing new hire welcomes.

A single welcome message is lovely. A group card is something else entirely.

When the whole team contributes, it creates a shared moment of belonging. Instead of one generic note, the new hire receives messages from across the business – different voices, different perspectives, all sending a welcoming message. 

With a digital group card, participation is easy. Share one link in Slack or email, and everyone can add their message in their own time. And when the card arrives? It’s a no-holds-barred occasion – from the recipient’s name beautifully embossed on the digital envelope to a premium animated unwrapping experience. 

GroupTogether’s animated card opening experience opens like a traditional envelope, with curated card designs that can be customised to fit your team. It’s polished, personal and something the new hire can revisit whenever they need a reminder that they belong.

Pro tip: encourage the team to add a photo with their message so your new hire can easily “put a face to the name”. 

You can even pair it with a small eGift Card to make the welcome feel extra special – flexible, thoughtful and easy to organise.

Because onboarding isn’t just about systems – it’s about signals, Jerry, signals! 

A well-crafted Welcome to the Team card sends the right one from day one.

Meet the experts

Melissa Evans

Content Writer, GroupTogether.

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether

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