5 Effective Ways to Help New Employees Settle In and Thrive
Welcoming new hires is more than just a handshake and a workstation. A thoughtful onboarding process helps new employees feel confident, connected, and ready to contribute. In this article, we’ll explore 5 practical ways HR teams can help new hires settle in smoothly.
1. Assign a buddy or mentor
Pairing new hires with a buddy or mentor who can guide them through the first few weeks. This personal connection helps break down barriers, making it easier for newcomers to ask questions, navigate office culture, and feel part of the team.
For more reserved or introverted individuals, having a go-to person can ease the unspoken stress of figuring out who to approach for help. It removes the pressure of having to initiate conversations or guess social norms, whether it’s asking where to find resources or simply wondering who to sit with at lunch. A thoughtful buddy can take the first step in including them in social situations, helping them feel seen and supported, even if they’re not the type to speak up immediately.
Over time, this relationship can be the difference between quietly surviving and confidently thriving in a new workplace.
2. Effective Icebreakers
Having effective icebreaker activities is crucial — they can truly make or break the first impressions within a new team. When done right, icebreakers create genuine connections, ease tension, and set a positive tone for collaboration. But when done poorly, they risk feeling forced, awkward, or uncomfortable, with participants giving surface-level or reluctant answers just to get through it.
At FOCUS Adventure, our experienced facilitators know how to run icebreakers with the right energy, control, and sensitivity to the group’s dynamics. We create a welcoming atmosphere where new hires feel safe to engage, helping to break down walls and build authentic connections from the very start.
Our approach ensures that icebreakers aren’t just another ra-ra activity — they become a valuable foundation for trust and teamwork.
3. Give a fun office orientation (e.g. scavenger hunt, Monopoly race)
Let’s face it — the typical office tour often ends up being a forgettable walk-through: “Here’s the pantry. This is the finance office. That’s where XYZ sits.” Before long, it all blends together, and new hires are left trying to remember which corridor leads where.
At FOCUS Adventure, we take office orientation to the next level with customisable, interactive activities. Imagine a scavenger hunt or Incredible Race-style challenge where teams explore key departments, meet colleagues, and discover important locations — not just inside the office, but also nearby spots like coffee shops, popular lunch places, or essential services.
These activities are designed to be both memorable and practical, helping new hires feel comfortable navigating their surroundings while working together as a team. To ensure that everyone is engaged, we create fun roles and responsibilities within the challenge so that every participant plays an active part in the adventure.
4. Introducing Corporate Values through engaging challenges
When it comes to onboarding, simply sharing or telling new hires about corporate values isn’t enough. PowerPoint slides and handbooks might list values like integrity, teamwork, or innovation, but memorising them doesn’t help employees truly understand what those values mean in practice, or how they apply in the workplace.
That’s where experiential learning makes a real difference. Instead of asking new hires to passively absorb information, we create opportunities for them to live the values through engaging, hands-on challenges.
At FOCUS Adventure, we offer a wide range of activities designed to bring your organisation’s values to life. From Mobile Adventure Programs to Low Element Challenges that build trust and communication, and even High Octane activities like dragon boating or kayaking that demand real teamwork and leadership.
What sets us apart is how we facilitate meaningful reflection after each activity. Our experienced facilitators lead debriefs that help participants connect their experiences to your company’s values, exploring questions like:
- What did teamwork look like in this challenge?
- How did we demonstrate integrity under pressure?
- Where did innovation help us succeed?
Whether your focus is on collaboration, resilience, ethics, or another core value, we’ll work with you to select the right mix of activities.
💬 Speak to our Project Managers today to design a customised new hires program that embeds your values in ways your employees will remember — and apply.
5. Feedback That Builds Trust: It’s About More Than Just Asking
Encouraging new hires to voice their questions, concerns, and ideas is essential for building trust, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. But it’s not just what you ask — it’s how and where you ask that makes all the difference.
While one-on-one check-ins and anonymous feedback tools can help create safer channels, it’s also important to be mindful of the environment. Asking for feedback in an open office setting, where others can overhear, may discourage honest responses. New hires might worry about being judged or seen as struggling — especially if they’re still finding their footing.
A great onboarding experience is more than just ticking off tasks on a checklist — it’s about creating moments that make new hires feel welcomed, included, and inspired to contribute. By combining thoughtful connection, fun, and meaningful challenges, you can turn the first days into a strong foundation for long-term success.
Ready to design an onboarding journey that your employees will remember? 💬 Get in touch with our team at FOCUS Adventure to explore how we can help you build a program that truly makes a difference.
