New team-mate lunch

Meeting your new colleagues over lunch or dinner is a great way to welcome them to the team. You also lay the foundations for your work relationship by demonstrating that you value and appreciate them. The informality of the lunch interaction helps you get to know them on a more personal level. This helps build rapport and trust, which is vital to asynchronous working. The more people that can attend such a lunch, the better. You can even combine this with say, a monthly team lunch. That way you welcome the new teammate while introducing them to a team ritual.

During these lunches, your new colleague also has the chance to informally ask any questions they may have and understand your team’s dynamics and culture. So, find a budget to accommodate these interactions so you can foster a positive and welcoming work environment for anyone who joins your team.