Creative Team-Building Exercises for Onboarding New Hires

Starting a new job can feel like the first day at a new school. Nerves, excitement, and a lot of new faces.

Team-building exercises ease this transition and help new hires feel part of the team. But, and you can trust us on this: nobody wants another trust fall exercise.

So, if you’re after something fresh and effective to add to your new hire checklist template, here’s a lineup of creative activities that bring people together, encourage a few laughs, and build strong foundations.

1. Two Truths and a Dream

Kick off with an activity that reveals interesting stories and personal dreams.

Have each new hire share two truths about themselves and one dream they’re excited about. Their team then guesses which statements are true and which one is their aspiration. This exercise goes beyond “where did you go to school?” and instead opens up conversations around passions and future goals.

Why it works: It’s an easy way to get personal without crossing boundaries. People open up when they talk about dreams, and it encourages team members to cheer each other on.

2. the Company Scavenger Hunt

Give new hires a map or a checklist with different company landmarks and fun items to “find.” These could include the best coffee spot, the CEO’s office, a secret library corner, or a plant everyone jokes about. Adding a few quirky items, like a hidden object that no one ever finds, brings a fun twist.

Why it works: New hires learn their way around, meet employees, and feel like part of an adventure. Plus, it offers a fun break from standard orientation tasks.

3. Group Puzzle Challenge

Everyone loves a good puzzle. Especially when it’s not a standard crossword.

Choose a big jigsaw puzzle, set it up in the common area, and let new hires complete it together. For added fun, you can include a hidden message related to company values or a motivational quote once the puzzle’s done.

Why it works: This activity requires collaboration without intense competition. It also shows how each person’s small efforts contribute to the bigger picture, a handy metaphor for their role in the company.

4. Cook-Off Challenge

Who doesn’t bond over food?

Divide your team into smaller groups and give each one a cooking theme. This could be a type of dish, specific ingredients, or even a company-related theme like “the recipe for success.” They’ll work together to whip up something delicious (or maybe just edible).

Why it works: People let their guard down when food’s involved, and the creativity needed to improvise in the kitchen mirrors the flexibility needed in the workplace. Not to mention, food is always a crowd-pleaser, even if someone’s “recipe for success” turns out as a questionable casserole.

5. Personal Playlist Swap

Music often reflects a person’s personality and emotions. For this exercise, each new hire shares a playlist that captures their style or recent vibe. Have everyone guess who created which playlist and share thoughts on the songs chosen.

Why it works: It’s personal without being invasive, and it sparks plenty of conversation. And if you find yourself working late one night, you now have a team-curated playlist!

6. the Problem-Solving Escape Room

Nothing says teamwork like a race against the clock.

Set up an escape room challenge, whether it’s in-office or at a local venue. Teams will solve riddles, uncover clues, and maybe discover that nobody actually knows how to read a compass. It’s fast-paced and gets everyone involved right away.

Why it works: It encourages clear communication, creative problem-solving, and quick decision-making. And if someone gets too intense about finding the clues, you know who to keep an eye on during project deadlines.

7. Build a Bridge

This hands-on exercise requires teams to build a bridge using only office supplies. (Don’t worry, you won’t need to break the bank for this, just some cardboard, tape, and a bit of creativity.) Once finished, test the bridge’s strength by placing small objects on it.

Why it works: Building bridges makes people work together under constraints, much like daily work situations. It’s also a chance to see who has some hidden DIY skills or who thinks too big with too few supplies.

8. the Office Time Capsule

Get a simple container and ask each new hire to contribute something that represents them or their current goals. It could be a small object, a written note, or even a picture. Seal the container and mark it for opening in a year or during the next onboarding cycle.

Why it works: This creates a sense of continuity and gives new hires something to look forward to. It’s also a nice moment of reflection when they eventually look back and see how much they’ve grown.

9. Customer-First Role Play

Understanding the customer’s perspective should happen from day one.

In this exercise, new hires role-play different customer scenarios. Some standard, some tricky, and a few funny curveballs thrown in. It helps them step into the customer’s shoes and grasp the company’s values in action.

Why it works: This activity builds empathy for customers, which translates into better service and product development. And hey, sometimes pretending to be an angry customer can be surprisingly fun.

10. Show and Tell

Remember the excitement of bringing a favorite item to show your class?

This exercise taps into that nostalgia. Each new hire brings in something meaningful to them: a book, an item from a trip, or even a quirky hobby item, and shares a short story about it.

Why it works: It humanizes each person right away. Instead of just seeing each other as “the new guy in marketing” or “that person from accounting,” everyone has a chance to reveal a unique side of themselves.

11. Company Trivia Battle

Host a company trivia game. Include both general knowledge questions and fun facts about the company culture, past events, or inside jokes. Maybe add some light-hearted competition with small prizes for the winners.

Why it works: It’s a fun way to get familiar with company history and culture. It also brings a bit of friendly competition, which always gets people talking.

12. the Creative ‘Project Pitch’

Let’s test those presentation skills early.

Have each new hire prepare a short, fun pitch about an imaginary project. It could be a wild, futuristic product or a hypothetical service that borders on sci-fi. Allow them to get as creative as possible. Extra points for humor and creativity.

Why it works: This activity eases new hires into public speaking and gives insight into their creative thinking process. It also encourages team members to let loose and share a laugh over the most “out there” pitches.

13. ‘Speed Networking’ Sessions

Think speed dating but without the roses and romantic undertones.

Set up a quick, timed rotation where new hires and current employees chat for a few minutes. They can discuss personal hobbies, work habits, favorite snacks, or anything casual that sparks conversation.

Why it works: It’s a great way for new hires to meet many people in a short time, breaking down potential cliques and forming connections early on.

14. Charity Challenge

This one lets people give back.

Organize a quick charity challenge, like a food drive, assembling hygiene kits, or even writing cards for local hospitals. The team that contributes the most items or completes the most tasks wins a small prize, or better yet, bragging rights.

Why it works: It connects new hires around a shared goal that goes beyond the company. There’s no better way to bond than by doing something meaningful together, even if it’s just for an hour.

15. Office DIY Project

Choose a small project to brighten up the workspace.

Maybe a team photo wall, decorating a break room corner, or even designing quirky labels for office supplies. Allow new hires to put their personal touch on the place they’ll be spending most of their time.

Why it works: People feel more invested when they have a say in their surroundings. It also lets everyone’s creativity shine, and you end up with a uniquely decorated space.

Wrapping It Up

Onboarding can either be an overwhelming checklist or an exciting new beginning. With the right team-building exercises, new hires connect with their peers, feel comfortable, and get to know the company culture in a natural, fun way.

Whether it’s through sharing personal stories, solving problems together, or getting a little competitive, these exercises set the tone for collaboration and camaraderie.

And if all else fails, just remember: food. Because nothing says “welcome” like snacks in the break room.