#68 Welcoming a New Colleague｜English Business Phrases

When a new colleague joins the team, the first greeting and words of welcome are very important.

By adding a few reassuring words, you can help the other person feel at ease and build a positive working relationship from the beginning.

In this article, I introduce natural English expressions that can be used when welcoming a new colleague, along with tips for expanding the conversation.

Dialogue

A

Hi, you must be Alex. Welcome to the team!

B

Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.

A

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.

B

Thanks, I appreciate that. Everything’s been very welcoming.

A

We usually have lunch together around noon. Would you like to join us today?.

B

That sounds great. I’d love to join.

1. Making a New Colleague Feel Welcome from the First Greeting

A common and reliable phrase to use when greeting a new colleague is “Welcome to the team!”

Although it is a short expression, it clearly conveys that you are happy to welcome them and that you are positive about working together.

You can also use the following variations:

It is important to choose the expression that best matches the situation and your relationship with the other person.

2. Showing a Willingness to Offer Support

In a new environment, many people hesitate to ask questions. For this reason, it is important to show your willingness to offer support early on.

The phrase “feel free to ～” means “you don’t need to hesitate,” and it helps lower the psychological barrier for the listener.

Depending on the situation, you can also say:

All of these expressions gently communicate your intention to be supportive.

3. Expressing Appreciation for Kindness

As a response to welcoming words or consideration, “I appreciate that.” is a useful expression.

Compared to a simple “Thank you,” this phrase conveys deeper appreciation for the other person’s thoughtfulness.

4. Inviting Someone to Build Rapport Through Conversation

Inviting a new colleague to lunch or a casual activity is a good way to help them feel more comfortable with the team.

The structure “Would you like to ～?” is polite and leaves the choice to the listener, making it suitable even for first-time interactions.

Other natural ways to invite someone include:

In more casual workplaces, slightly relaxed expressions like these are also very common.

Summary