How to Create a Welcome Message from the CEO in an Employee Handbook

Imagine receiving a heartfelt message from the company CEO on your first day at a new job. When properly executed, this message has the power to make a strong first impression.

Employee handbooks introduce new hires (and reintroduce existing employees!) to your company culture, policies, and expectations. By integrating a personal message from the CEO, you can make everyone feel more welcome.

A CEO greeting communicates your company culture while showcasing leadership’s dedication. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating an effective CEO welcome message.

The Purpose of a Welcome Message from the CEO

With increasingly global workforces and growing opportunities for remote work, employees don’t necessarily get the face time they’re used to. Because of this shift, it’s important to incorporate personal touches throughout company communications, including your employee handbook. One way to do this is through a welcome message from the CEO.

A great welcome message doesn’t just share facts — it does so much more. A well-crafted welcome message should accomplish these things:

• Build trust: In many organizations, especially larger ones, a CEO can often be perceived as just a name and a face rather than a real person. By highlighting their humanity in your employee handbook, you foster trust and build a rapport.
• Show employees they matter: Employees often feel more valued knowing the CEO has taken the time to deliver a personal message to them.
• Create connection: By offering a glimpse into the CEO’s aspirations for the company, you can communicate the organization’s ultimate goal and what it will take to get there.

There are different approaches to take, such as a heartfelt letter including the CEO’s photograph or an engaging video embedded in digital handbooks. However, what’s most important is that the message is authentic, clear, and welcoming. It’s not about the medium itself; it’s about the genuine intent to welcome.

Learn more in our article, How to Create a Welcome Statement for an Employee Handbook.

How to Write Your CEO Welcome Message

In today’s evolving corporate landscape, a CEO’s welcome message helps reinforce the company’s culture and vision. Consider it an introductory handshake from leadership that can set employees on the right course for their journey ahead. 

Here are some tips on how to create your welcome message:

Welcome Message Tip # 1 – Start with the welcome

By strategically placing the CEO’s greeting at the beginning of the handbook, it establishes immediate rapport. When you start from an  inspired place, you’ll set a positive tone for the rest of the content.

This Blissbook example starts off with a welcome message.

Welcome Message Tip # 2 – Add a personal touch

It’s impactful when a CEO recalls a personal anecdote, perhaps discussing their early challenges or the spark that ignited their passion for the company. This approach transforms the CEO from a powerful executive figure into a relatable individual with a story.

Welcome Message Tip #3 – Articulate the vision and mission 

Instead of just starting your company’s objectives, explain what they look like from day to day. How do they influence decisions? This provides clarity and showcases direction, helping employees understand the broader goals. Your organization’s unique spirit should be palpable throughout the CEO’s message.

Welcome Message Tip #4 – Highlight the value proposition

What sets your company apart isn’t just its products or services. It might be the culture, the growth opportunities, the community outreach, or the commitment to teamwork. Showcase what’s important to instill a sense of pride among employees.

Welcome Message Tip #5 – Acknowledge employee talent and potential

Don’t forget to acknowledge employee talent and potential. Employees, and especially new hires, have their own aspirations and personal goals. If you recognize their potential, celebrate their skills, and help them envision their trajectory in the company, they’ll feel empowered.

Welcome Message Tip #6 – Maintain a positive outlook 

You probably don’t need this spelled out, but make sure the welcome message is steeped in optimism. Present challenges as opportunities and convey that every task is a step toward collective success.

Welcome Message Tip #7 – Keep it short and sweet

We’re already flooded with information, so keep things simple. A clear and sincere message helps ensure your sentiment comes through loud and clear. It’s about finding the right mix of being friendly and getting the point across, making sure every word matters. Show the company’s heart and what the CEO believes in — without a lot of additional fluff.

Digital Evolution of Welcome Messages: Videos and Multimedia

There are many ways to leverage online tools out there to make your welcome message fun and lively. Why not try a video? It can feel friendly, personable, and give employees a sneak peek into what it would be like to chat with the CEO. We’ve included a sample video in the next section, Inspiring CEO Welcome Message Examples.

Multimedia also helps you capture attention quickly, which is vital in today’s fast-paced world. Traditional written memos often get skimmed or overlooked. This is where multimedia, like videos and pictures, comes to the rescue. 

Some perks of multimedia include:

• Catches Attention: Visual content, like videos and photos, stands out. It’s human nature to be drawn to moving images and vibrant visuals, making them more memorable than plain text.
• Conveys Emotion: A picture can express a thousand words, and a video can say even more. This allows the CEO to convey emotions — excitement, passion, vision — that are hard to capture in writing.
• Feels Like a Real Chat: With a video, employees can hear the CEO’s voice, see their expressions, and sense their enthusiasm. It creates a direct channel, bridging the gap between leadership and staff and making the message more genuine and heartfelt.
• Provides something for everyone: Not everyone digests information the same way. While some prefer reading, others are visual or auditory learners. Videos help vary your content, ensuring everyone enjoys the handbook experience.

Incorporating multimedia doesn’t just make the content more engaging; it transforms the entire communication experience, making it more impactful and memorable.

If you think video might be a good fit for your organization, check out this guide to creating a CEO video message. In today’s digital world, there are many ways to capture video of your CEO, such as Loom or Zoom. Then you can work to enhance your video by using a basic editing program like Canva Pro, iMovie, Vimeo, or Veed to add graphics and music.
Blissbook is a great tool for incorporating video because you can easily add it to your handbook. The platform is user-friendly, ideal for creating an interactive employee experience. Dive into Blissbook and see how it can elevate your onboarding process.

Inspiring CEO Welcome Message Examples

CEOs use welcome messages as a tool to make lasting first impressions. Different types of businesses craft their messages in unique ways to reflect their core values and culture. Let’s explore a few welcome messages created using Blissbook:

CEO Welcome Message Example #1: Pawnee Parks and Rec

This welcome message does a great job at making the employee feel right at home with its friendly and cheerful tone. The CEO also encourages open communication and feedback and makes sure the employees know what matters most. Plus, this is a great example of how video makes the welcome even more personal.

CEO Welcome Message Example #2: Rocket Whale

This short and direct welcome message from Rocket Whale‘s CEO is warm and inviting. The CEO starts by offering a personal touch, assuring that he’s always there to help — creating an open-door approach. The message also highlights the company’s focus on personal and professional growth, setting a positive tone for new hires. 

CEO Welcome Message Example #3: Russell Reynolds Associates

The welcome message from the CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates strikes a balance between professionalism and warmth. Though it’s more formal in tone, it encourages employees to delve into the company’s values. It also promotes employee growth and welcomes contributions to the handbook. It’s a great example of how to maintain boundaries while still making employees feel valued and welcome.

Your Customized CEO Message Template

When shaping your CEO message, consider the following questions:

• What about the company inspires the CEO to come to work every morning?
• Why is every employee, including new hires, pivotal to the company’s journey?
• How does the CEO envision interpersonal relationships to work within the team?
• What collective goals lie ahead?
• How does the company touch lives beyond business metrics?

Use your answers to customize this draft template:

Welcome to [Company Name]!

I’m thrilled to welcome you on board. Here at [Company Name], our journey is about [briefly touch on mission/vision]. Every individual, including you, plays an important role in making this possible [say how]. 

As we move forward, know that our shared values and goals are the guiding lights. I encourage you to embrace our company culture, contribute to our shared objectives, and always do what’s right.

I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.

Warm regards,

[CEO Name]

Incorporate this personalized message at the beginning of your employee handbook.

Final Thoughts

The CEO’s welcome note is more than just words on a page – it’s a reflection of the company’s heart and soul. It reminds every team employee that they’re a vital part of the company’s success.

No matter how you decide to craft your welcome note, or what style you pick, it’s essential to emphasize your company culture. Your welcome message will be memorable and impactful if you’re genuine and let your company’s true spirit shine.

At Blissbook, we see employee handbooks as tools to foster a strong bond right from the start. Our platform provides specific templates for crafting messages, and you can even add a welcome video.

Want to give it a try before deciding? Begin with our no-cost trial today.