A communication sent to a newly hired individual shortly before or on their first day of employment. This message generally extends a warm greeting and provides essential information, such as first-day instructions, contact details for key personnel, and links to relevant onboarding materials. For example, a new software engineer might receive a message containing details about their team, the location of their desk, and a schedule of their initial training sessions.
This initial contact is important for setting a positive tone for the employee’s experience. It can reduce first-day anxiety by providing clarity and structure. Historically, such communications were often delivered in person or via telephone. The shift toward electronic messaging reflects the increasing prevalence of digital communication in the modern workplace and offers a more efficient and scalable method of onboarding.