Onboarding your new employees on a boat in Paris

The first few weeks at a company shape an employee's engagement. A memorable onboarding event helps newcomers feel welcome and build connections quickly.

Holding this day on a private boat provides a neutral, sociable and memorable setting, far from the usual meeting rooms.

A setting that encourages interaction

On board, everyone shares the same space for the whole event. No discreet early exits, no little groups re-forming by the coffee machine: newcomers naturally meet their colleagues, their managers and members of the leadership team.

Building the programme for the day

• Morning: a presentation of the company, its history and its values, in the boat's lounge while moored.
• Lunch: a shared meal with tables mixing long-standing and new employees.
• Afternoon: team workshops, meetings with mentors or a discovery game.
• End of the day: a cruise and drinks reception to finish in style.

Which boat for the size of your intake

For a small intake of just a few people, a yacht creates an exclusive atmosphere. For large recruitment drives, a barge equipped with a meeting area, a screen and a sound system lets you alternate between working sessions and informal moments without changing venue.

The details that make the difference

A welcome pack handed out on boarding, a few words of welcome from the leadership, a photographer to capture the new intake: these touches strengthen the sense of belonging. Also think about the boat's accessibility and everyone's dietary requirements, which you can collect in advance with the invitation.