Can a seemingly simple HR strategy improve employee satisfaction by 2.6 times?
The answer is yes!
The right set of onboarding activities can do just that.
Employee Onboarding remains one of the most important HR functions, even after remote work became a norm. New hires walk in with excitement, but also with nerves. A great onboarding experience can make them feel at home from day one.
It is important that you design your onboarding program with activities that help employees start their journey on a positive note. When people feel welcomed, they engage faster and stay longer. Did you know that 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if their onboarding experience is great?
A fun, interactive onboarding plan can boost confidence. Let’s explore creative ways to make new hires feel like they truly belong.
5 C’s of Onboarding
Before we get into creative activities, let’s understand one of the core theoretical foundations of onboarding – 5 C’s of onboarding. The 5 C’s of onboarding include compliance, clarification, culture, connection and check-in
A great onboarding experience isn’t just about paperwork and IT logins. It’s about setting new hires up for success. That’s where the 5 Cs of onboarding come in—five key pillars that make the process smooth, welcoming, and effective.
Let’s have a quick look at the 5 C’s of onboarding:
1. Compliance
Let’s get the boring (but necessary) stuff out of the way first. Compliance covers policies, legal requirements, and company rules. It’s about making sure new hires understand workplace expectations, safety protocols, and all those HR checklists.
2. Clarification
Ever had a new hire start and wonder, Wait… what are they actually supposed to do? That’s exactly what this aspect helps prevent. Clarification ensures new employees know their roles, responsibilities, and how their work connects to company goals.
3. Culture
Culture isn’t just about mission statements on a wall—it’s how people interact, collaborate, and thrive. Introducing company culture early helps new hires feel like they belong. Think team values, traditions, and even inside jokes.
4. Connection
No one likes feeling like the “new kid.” Building relationships from day one is key. Whether it’s a buddy system, virtual coffee chats, or team lunches, connection helps new hires integrate faster and feel supported.
5. Check-Ins
Onboarding isn’t a one-day event. Regular check-ins (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) keep employees engaged, answer their questions, and show that their growth matters. It’s about keeping the conversation going, long after day one.
To learn more about the steps of onboarding check out our blog, “Onboarding New Employees: 5 Simple Steps (Easy Checklist)”.
The 5 Cs lay the foundation, but the real magic happens when you add a creative touch. A little fun can turn onboarding from a checklist into an experience. So, how do you make it memorable? Let’s explore 10 creative onboarding activities that go beyond the usual slide decks and handbooks.
10 Creative Onboarding Activities Ideas for New Hires
Onboarding should be more than just signing papers and setting up logins—it should be an experience. A great start means new hires feel excited, connected, and ready to bring their A-game.
Here are 10 creative onboarding activities that make sure your new employees feel like part of the team from day one.
1. Welcome Package
Who doesn’t love a thoughtful gift? A welcome package with branded swag (think t-shirts, notebooks, and water bottles) adds a personal touch. A handwritten note from a manager or CEO makes it even more special.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Welcome package covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Showcases company personality and values.
- Connection: Makes new hires feel appreciated from the start.
2. Interactive Onboarding App
Make onboarding engaging with a simple interactive app or Notion page. Include company history, policies, tool logins, and team intros. Add quizzes, videos, or personal stories from employees for a human touch.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
An onboarding app covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Compliance: Ensures policies and must-know info are accessible.
- Clarification: Provides a structured way to learn about the company.
Onboarding apps and software are pivotal to manage the entire onboarding process properly. Check out hrtech marketplace to choose the best onboarding apps from a wide selection.
3. Buddy System
Pair new hires with an experienced buddy. This could be a work buddy (for job-related questions), a culture buddy (to introduce office traditions), or even a leadership buddy (for company-wide insights).
A Microsoft study found that 56% of new hires who met their onboarding buddy at least once in their first 90 days felt it boosted their productivity.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Buddy system covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Connection: Builds relationships from day one.
- Clarification: Provides real-time support for role-related queries.
4. Entry Interview
Instead of waiting for the first performance review, schedule an entry interview. Ask about career goals, feedback preferences, and immediate challenges. This builds an open line of communication early.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Entry interview covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Clarification: Aligns job expectations and personal goals.
- Check-Ins: Establishes an ongoing dialogue with managers.
5. Schedule a Welcome Lunch
Nothing brings people together like food. Whether in-person or virtual, a casual meal with the new hire, manager, and team makes introductions easy. It’s an easy way to spark conversations beyond job roles and emails.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Welcome lunch covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Encourages team bonding in a relaxed setting.
- Connection: Helps new hires build relationships beyond work tasks.
6. “Meet the Team” Bingo
Turn introductions into a game with a fun bingo challenge! Create a bingo card with squares like “Has worked here for over 5 years” or “Loves coffee more than tea.” The new hire must talk to coworkers and find people who match each square.
This activity encourages conversations beyond job roles and helps new hires feel comfortable approaching different team members. A small prize for completing a row or full card adds extra motivation!
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
“Meet the team” Bingo covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Encourages interaction in a relaxed, playful way.
- Connection: Helps new hires meet colleagues across departments.
7. Office or Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Make onboarding an adventure with a scavenger hunt! For in-office hires, have them find key locations like the break room, IT help desk, or HR office. For remote employees, create a digital hunt where they explore essential tools like Slack channels, the HR portal, or company wiki.
Add small rewards for completing the hunt—maybe a gift card or company swag. This turns learning into a fun, engaging experience rather than just another checklist.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Scavenger hunt covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Introduces company spaces and tools in an interactive way.
- Connection: Encourages interaction with teammates along the way.
8. “A Day in the Life” Role Walkthrough
Forget generic job descriptions—let new hires experience their role firsthand. Have a current employee walk them through a typical workday, covering daily tasks, workflows, and common challenges. This hands-on approach makes expectations crystal clear and reduces first-week confusion.
Seeing the job in action helps new hires understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. It also gives them a chance to ask real-time questions and get practical insights from someone already in the role
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
“A day in the life” walkthrough covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Clarification: Provides a clear, practical understanding of the job.
- Compliance: Ensures role expectations align with company policies.
9. “Two Truths and a Lie” Icebreaker
Kick off a team meeting with a lighthearted game! Each person, including the new hire, shares two true facts and one lie about themselves. The rest of the team tries to guess which statement is false.
This activity sparks fun conversations, helps uncover shared interests, and makes introductions feel more personal. It’s especially great for easing first-day nerves and encouraging team bonding in a relaxed way.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Two truths and a lie icebreaker covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Creates a fun and engaging team dynamic.
- Connection: Helps new hires build relationships in an informal setting.
10. Reverse Q&A with Leadership
Flip the usual onboarding script! Instead of a senior leader presenting company values, let the new hire ask the questions. Whether it’s about company culture, leadership style, or team goals, this open conversation helps them feel heard from day one.
This activity encourages transparency, builds confidence, and shows new hires that leadership is approachable. Plus, it gives valuable insight into what matters most to them as they start their journey.
Which of the 5 Cs does this cover?
Reverse Q&A with leadership covers these aspects of 5C’s:
- Culture: Reinforces openness and a welcoming environment.
- Connection: Fosters direct engagement between new hires and leadership.
For best onboarding software solutions, explore hrtech marketplace, and find the most suitable onboarding software for your organization.
Conclusion
The success of any new hire starts with a strong onboarding experience. By incorporating creative activities like scavenger hunts, personalized packages, and team lunches, you ensure that new hires feel welcomed and excited to start their journey with the company.
In today’s fast-paced world, the hrtech marketplace is the best place to find innovative onboarding solutions. From interactive tools to customized learning paths, hrtech makes it easier than ever to streamline the process and enhance the new hire experience. These platforms help you create an efficient, memorable onboarding journey.
Ready to transform your onboarding process? Explore the best tools and resources today in hrtech marketplace!
