Greetings! Welcoming new employees with open arms and a warm smile is the foundation of a successful onboarding process. With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of fun, incorporating icebreakers into the onboarding experience can make all the difference in helping new team members feel comfortable and part of the community. Here are top 10 engaging icebreakers to kickstart your new hires’ journey and foster a sense of belonging from day one.
Fun Fact Sharing
Hobbies Overview
Fact: One of the best ways to break the ice and get to know your new colleagues is by sharing fun facts about yourselves. A great way to start is by discussing your hobbies; whether you enjoy painting, hiking, or playing a musical instrument, sharing your interests can lead to engaging conversations and potential new friendships.
Favorite Things
The favorite things you reveal about yourself during icebreakers can be a fun way to connect with your coworkers on a personal level. Whether it’s your favorite food, movie, or travel destination, sharing these tidbits can help others find common ground with you and spark interesting discussions.
To make the onboarding process more enjoyable and interactive, encourage new hires to share unique facts about themselves that stand out. This could include their favorite childhood memory, a quirky talent they possess, or a surprising travel anecdote. By inviting them to share a mix of lighthearted and interesting facts, it can help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere within the team from the start.
Two Truths and a Lie
One fun icebreaker activity that can help new hires get to know each other better is the game of ‘Two Truths and a Lie’. This game encourages sharing interesting facts about oneself while also trying to deceive others with a believable lie.
Guessing game
Game participants take turns sharing three statements about themselves – two truths and one lie. The other players then have to guess which statement is the lie. This game not only breaks the ice but also helps in sparking conversations and creating connections among team members.
Personal stories
For the ‘Personal Stories’ activity, each new hire shares a brief personal story about themselves. This could be a memorable experience, a unique talent, or a funny anecdote. Sharing personal stories helps in creating a sense of bonding and understanding among team members.
To make this activity more engaging, encourage new hires to share stories that reflect their personality, hobbies, or interests. This will not only help in breaking the ice but also in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Show and Tell
Now let’s talk about the ‘Show and Tell’ activity as part of your onboarding process. This is an opportunity for new hires to share a personal item and the story behind it with their colleagues, helping them connect on a more personal level.
Personal item
For the ‘Personal item’ segment, encourage new hires to bring in something that holds sentimental value or reflects their hobbies and interests. It could be a favorite book, a travel souvenir, or a piece of artwork. This allows them to showcase a bit of their personality and gives their teammates a glimpse into what makes them unique.
Story behind it
For the ‘Story behind it’ part, new hires can share the significance of the item they brought. Whether it’s a memento from a special trip, a gift from a loved one, or a relic from their childhood, every item has a story waiting to be told. It’s a wonderful way for new team members to open up and create meaningful connections with their colleagues.
With the ‘Story behind it’ activity, new hires can bond over shared experiences, learn about each other’s backgrounds, and foster a sense of community within the team. It’s a great way to break the ice and build camaraderie from day one.
Storytelling, personal items, connections, onboarding, team building
Office Scavenger Hunt
Team collaboration
To kick off the onboarding process in a fun and engaging way, consider organizing an Office Scavenger Hunt. This activity is a great way to get new hires to work together as a team, collaborate, and build relationships from the get-go. Assigning tasks that require communication and problem-solving skills can help break the ice and encourage bonding among team members.
Exploring workspace
Office Scavenger Hunts also offer new hires the opportunity to explore their new workspace and learn about the different departments and resources available within the company. By setting up clues that lead them to various areas of the office, employees can familiarize themselves with the layout and get a sense of where everything is located. This hands-on approach can help alleviate any initial feelings of being lost or overwhelmed in a new environment.
Any office space can be transformed into an exciting treasure hunt adventure, from cubicles to meeting rooms to the break area. Encouraging new hires to interact with their surroundings and colleagues in a fun and interactive way can set a positive tone for their onboarding journey.
This Office Scavenger Hunt is designed to promote team collaboration, foster relationships, and help new hires feel comfortable in their new work environment. By encouraging communication, problem-solving, and exploration, this activity sets the stage for a successful onboarding experience that leaves employees feeling welcomed and valued. So get ready to embark on this fun and interactive adventure!
Speed Networking
Keep the energy high and the conversations flowing with a round of speed networking for your new hires. This activity is a fun way for employees to quickly connect with each other in a fast-paced, structured setting. Set up a series of short one-on-one meetings where participants can introduce themselves, share a bit about their background, and learn something new about their colleagues. By rotating participants and encouraging everyone to be open and engaging, speed networking can help break the ice and create a more inclusive and connected team dynamic.