What to Write in a Welcome Card for a New Starter — UK Office Guide

The new starter welcome card: first impressions last

A welcome card signed by the whole team on someone's first day is one of the highest-return, lowest-effort things an office can do for retention. It says: we noticed you arrived, we're glad you're here, and we're not the kind of place that lets someone sit in silence for a fortnight before speaking to them. Here's what to write.

What to write in a welcome card for a new starter

• Welcome to the team! We're delighted you're here. Ask any of us anything — there are no stupid questions, only questions that lead to far longer conversations than anyone planned. Looking forward to working with you.
• Welcome! The learning curve is real but the team is genuinely lovely and will help you navigate it. Very glad you've joined us.
• A very warm welcome — we've been looking forward to having you. Don't worry about knowing everything immediately; everyone here was new once and the collective memory of the team is very much at your disposal.
• Welcome to the team! There will be a lot of names to remember in the first few days — no pressure. We know who you are and we're glad you're here.

From an individual colleague

• Hi! I sit just across from you — please feel free to ask me anything, no matter how basic. The coffee machine takes a bit of getting used to and I'm very happy to explain it. Welcome!
• Welcome — really glad to have you on the team. If you ever need someone to go for a coffee and talk through how anything works here, I'm very happy to be that person. Welcome aboard.

From a manager to a new direct report

• Welcome — I'm really looking forward to working with you. My door is always open (metaphorically; the open-plan office has made this a slightly different concept). Please don't hesitate to ask anything at all.
• We're so pleased you've joined the team. You were clearly the right choice and I'm excited to see what we'll build together. Welcome — and please take your time settling in.

Short welcome messages

• Welcome to the team — delighted to have you!
• So glad you've joined us. Welcome!
• Welcome! We're very happy you're here.
• Great to have you — welcome to the team.

How to get everyone to sign without the faff

The traditional approach — creating a card the night before, hoping enough people see the email — results in five signatures and a lot of guilt. An online welcome card from Thankeeu lets the whole team sign from one link in the week before the start date, with each person adding a personal message, photo or voice note. It arrives in their inbox at 9am on their first day. Create one here — free to start.