Why Welcome Videos Matter

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. That’s why companies are turning to employee welcome videos to make a better first impression. These videos are a powerful way to introduce new hires to your mission, values, and people—without overwhelming them with walls of text or a dozen disconnected meetings.

Research backs this up. A structured onboarding program that includes video can increase new hire engagement by 49% and boost confidence by 46%, according to Exploding Topics. Strong onboarding also improves retention by up to 82% and helps employees reach full productivity 34% faster. Simply put: onboarding videos work.

Here’s how to create a welcome video that connects.

1. Start With a Real Welcome

This might seem simple, but it’s often overlooked. A great welcome video starts with a real person saying, “We’re glad you’re here.” Ideally, this is someone in leadership—a CEO, team lead, or even a founder. The tone should be warm and direct, not overly scripted. Looking into the camera and offering a genuine smile builds instant connection and sets the tone for everything that follows.

You can make this moment feel more polished with a clean background, natural lighting, and a quick lower-third title with the speaker’s name and role. Keep it natural, but not sloppy—people can feel the difference.

2. Explain Your Mission in Simple Terms

Your company mission is important, but if it’s full of buzzwords, it won’t stick. In a welcome video, the goal is to explain why your company exists in a way that feels human and grounded. For example, instead of “leveraging scalable impact,” try something like: “We’re here to help people build better futures through opportunity, respect, and purpose-driven work.” This kind of clarity makes it easier for new hires to align with your values—and care about them.

3. Make Every Role Feel Important

It’s important that people feel seen, especially on their first day. Your welcome video should include a message that every department matters—from the warehouse to the front desk to the boardroom. A simple line like, “Whether you work in operations, finance, support, or on the front lines, your work makes a difference,” can go a long way in building early belonging.

You can also support this message visually by showing real employees at work across different teams and locations. Even quick cuts of people interacting, creating, or serving can help reinforce that everyone plays a role in the bigger picture.

4. Feature More Than One Voice

Welcome videos are stronger when they reflect the diversity of your team—not just in background, but in role and personality. Hearing from multiple speakers makes the message more engaging and more credible. It also helps new hires see who they might be working with and gives them a more complete picture of your organization.

Try including short clips from a department head, a new employee, a team lead, or even someone who started in a different role and grew within the company. These voices help show what’s possible, and they break up the structure of the video so it feels dynamic and personal.

5. Reinforce Core Values with Real Examples

Core values often show up in company handbooks, but this is your chance to bring them to life. Don’t just list your values—say them aloud, and pair each one with a quick explanation or example. For instance, “We lead with compassion, which means treating people with empathy in every interaction. We value innovation, which means we support new ideas and encourage creative problem-solving.”

You can enhance this section visually with motion graphics or animated text to emphasize each value as it’s mentioned. Or, cut to b-roll that demonstrates those values in action: collaboration, brainstorming, helping a customer, etc.

6. Talk About Safety and Support

A truly inclusive workplace doesn’t just talk about values—it also prioritizes safety and support. Your video should clearly state that your company is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.

Especially in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, or reentry services, safety messaging isn’t optional—it builds trust. This can be as simple as: “We want you to feel safe, supported, and respected—every day you come to work.” It’s a line that tells people they belong, and that their well-being matters.

7. Mention Growth and Development

Every new employee wonders if they’ll have the chance to grow. A welcome video is a great place to make it clear that your company supports professional development. Even a simple message like, “We invest in our people, and we’re excited to see you grow here,” can spark motivation and commitment.

If your company offers learning opportunities, mentorship, or internal mobility, mention that here. It shows that you see people not just for the job they were hired to do—but for what they might become.

8. End With Encouragement

Your closing message should leave people feeling excited, not overwhelmed. A simple “You’re not doing this alone” goes a long way. Reassure them that it’s okay to ask questions and that your team is ready to support them.

You can also close with a final message from the person who opened the video. It brings everything full circle and creates a warm bookend to the experience. Some companies choose to include a friendly group wave, a team photo, or a simple “Welcome aboard!” graphic to close things out.

Why Video Beats Text for Onboarding

Video onboarding isn’t just a trend—it works. Studies show that employees retain more from video than text, and they’re more likely to stay engaged through visual storytelling.

In fact:

• 84% of employees wish their company had a more structured onboarding process (G2)

• 37% of remote companies cite onboarding as a top challenge (Exploding Topics)

• 9% of new hires leave a job due to poor onboarding (Devlin Peck)

A thoughtful, well-produced video can fill in the gaps, especially for distributed or hybrid teams.

Want a Welcome Video That Works?

A strong welcome video can improve engagement, reduce turnover, and help new hires feel like part of the team from day one. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s an investment in your culture.

At JSB Video, we help companies create onboarding videos that are heartfelt, high-quality, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your process, we’ll help you craft a message that sticks.

Let’s bring your story to life. Contact JSB Video to get started.