15 Fun Onboarding Activities And Games For New Hires In 2024

Onboarding new employees can be a daunting task, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring their success and integration into the company culture. A well-structured onboarding process not only helps new hires feel welcome and prepared but also sets the tone for their entire tenure with the organization. In 2024, it’s time to think outside the box and incorporate fun and engaging activities into your onboarding process. Here are 15 fun onboarding activities and games to get you started:

1. Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that takes new hires around the office, introducing them to different team members and departments. This activity encourages interaction, exploration, and helps new hires get familiar with the office layout.

2. “Two Truths and a Lie”

Have each new hire come up with two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The rest of the team has to guess which one is the lie. This game is a great way to break the ice and get to know each other.

3. Team Trivia

Organize a team trivia session where new hires can participate and get to know their colleagues in a fun and competitive environment.

4. “Human Bingo”

Create bingo cards with different traits, characteristics, or interests (e.g., “has traveled to another country” or “speaks more than one language”). New hires need to find someone who fits each of the characteristics and get them to sign the corresponding square.

5. Onboarding Escape Room

Design an escape room challenge that requires new hires to work together to solve problems and complete tasks. This activity promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

6. “The Human Library”

Set up a “human library” where new hires can “check out” a colleague for a 10-15 minute conversation. This activity encourages knowledge sharing, networking, and helps new hires learn more about their colleagues’ experiences and expertise.

7. Office Olympics

Host a series of fun, low-stakes competitions (e.g., paper airplane toss, desk chair racing, or a water bottle flip challenge) that encourage teamwork and camaraderie.

8. “New Hire Showcase”

Give new hires the opportunity to showcase their skills, talents, or hobbies in a fun and creative way. This could be a presentation, a performance, or a display of their work.

9. Mentorship Match

Pair new hires with a mentor who can guide them through the onboarding process and provide support and guidance. This activity helps new hires feel more connected to the organization and provides a sense of accountability.

10. “Company History” Timeline

Create a timeline of the company’s history and have new hires work in teams to complete it. This activity encourages collaboration, research, and helps new hires understand the company’s values and mission.

11. “Job Shadowing”

Assign new hires to shadow a colleague for a day to gain a deeper understanding of their role and responsibilities. This activity provides valuable insight and helps new hires feel more comfortable in their new role.

12. “Onboarding Challenges”

Design a series of challenges that new hires need to complete during their onboarding process. These challenges could be related to company policies, procedures, or industry-specific knowledge.

13. “Team Lunch”

Organize a team lunch where new hires can interact with their colleagues in a more relaxed setting. This activity encourages socialization, networking, and helps new hires feel more connected to the team.

14. “Creative Project”

Assign new hires a creative project that requires them to work in teams and showcase their skills and talents. This activity promotes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

15. “Onboarding Feedback”

Encourage new hires to provide feedback on their onboarding experience. This activity helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that the onboarding process is effective and engaging.

Incorporating fun and engaging activities into your onboarding process can make a significant difference in the success of your new hires. By providing a positive and supportive onboarding experience, you can increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and set your new hires up for success. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try out some of these fun onboarding activities and games in 2024!