Help new hires build connections, collaborate and communicate effectively through fun team building activities.
The First 90 Days Are Critical
New job. New laptop. New faces. And more questions than answers…
A new job, especially the first one, is like being the new kid at school, except there's a new set of rules (written and implied) and no timetable. According to AceNgage, 20–30% of new hires in India leave within their first 90 days. Helping people connect through team building activities would prevent this exodus and so deserves a place in every onboarding plan.
Onboarding Usually Covers Paperwork, Not A Feeling Of Belonging
Slides during induction explain company policies, but they won't magically turn strangers into teammates. That's where onboarding team building activities come in. Give new joiners opportunities to have fun, bond, laugh, learn and discover what they have in common.
8 Team Building Activities For New Employees
Ready to turn awkward introductions into actual conversations? Try these new joiner engagement activities:
- Two Truths And A Lie: Identify the lie and discover the truths in surprising facts about colleagues.
- Speed Networking: Make quick introductions fun — just 2 to 5 mins per pair.
- Cross-Team Games: To break departmental bubbles/ silos.
- Buddy Challenges: Pair new hires with experienced employees for a treasure hunt or similar challenge.
- Puzzle Races: Solve problems while racing against the clock.
- Team Quiz Battles: Mix general knowledge with company trivia and critical information.
- Build-It Challenges: Create something together using simple materials.
- Mission I M Possible: Collaborate to complete challenging tasks.
These activities break the ice for new employees and work particularly well for IT, BPO, Retail and Hospitality… businesses that hire in batches.
When To Run It
Every two or four months bring together employees who joined that fortnight/ month, involve their managers and buddies, and create space for genuine connections. Woosh Biz's High Octane team-building experience can turn a room full of new faces into a team ready to collaborate.
A Simple 90-Day Belonging Checklist
- Day 1: Warm welcomes and team introductions.
- Day 15 or 30: A fun, facilitated team building session.
- Day 60: A buddy challenge or cross-team mission.
- Day 90: Celebrate wins and reflect on progress.
Because onboarding shouldn't end when the paperwork is done! Explore our Team Building vs Team Bonding blog to see how structured activities and informal connections complement each other.
Running a new-joiner batch this month?
Give your newest employees a reason to connect, collaborate and feel part of the team.
