Welcome Back to Work Messages: 78 Best Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

The average person spends more time with their coworkers than they do their family. This might sound absurd, but consider that we spend at least 40 hours a week with our fellow employees, and much of our home time is spent sleeping. So when a coworker leaves the office for an extended period of time, regardless of the reason, we miss them, and vice versa. 

 Just as you'd warmly welcome a family member back from a trip, we feel a strong, and reasonable impulse to welcome our coworkers back into the fold. This article will focus on simply turns of phrase guaranteed to spread good cheer when an employee returns. Your coworker means business when they come back, but they still enjoy the camaraderie and would welcome a thoughtful message. Welcoming them back feels like a big thank you from the team.

TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR WELCOME BACK MESSAGES MORE MEANINGFUL

Although you can find plenty of examples of welcome back messages below, here are a few tips to make your message more personal and memorable:

• Make it specific. Acknowledge what they were doing and why they were away. This shows that you're aware of what's going on in their life and are interested enough to pay attention. This small detail can make a difference in how much your warm welcome back will resonate with them. 
• Share a story about something that happened while they were gone. This can help your reunited coworker feel more connected with what they missed and give them helpful context as they ease back into their responsibilities. 
• Make them handwritten. Emails and text messages are a dime a dozen. If you really want your welcome back message to have an impact, send a handwritten card.
• Ask how their break was and then use that knowledge to write a personalized message. This is a simple conversation where you get some extra details to add into your message. You might find out where they went on vacation and then use that to add personal flair. 
• Joke about how much you missed them (in a good-natured way). Comedy is an excellent way to break the tension and help relieve the strain of what can be a stressful time. Consider that your coworker has to get caught up with everything that's happened since their departure. A bit of laughter is a nice break. 
• Keep it positive! This isn't a "dear sir or madam" message. This is a coworker and a friend! No need to be all business. Share good wishes to help ease your recipients well-being as they do the tough work of easing back into the swing of things.

With these tips in mind, here are some great examples of welcome back to work messages.

Perfect Welcome Back Messages for Any Recently Absent Coworker

If you don't know why a fellow employee missed working, or if you just want to wish them the warmest welcome without calling out their circumstances you can tell them you're glad they're back without mentioning specifics. Try these best wishes for returning coworkers.

• "We missed you, and we're so glad you're back!" 
• "It's great to have you back in the office!" 
• "We hope you had a great time, and we're happy to have you back." 
• "Welcome home! We missed you." 
• "It's good to have you back at work!" 
• "It's just not the same here when your office is empty. It's so nice to have you back!" 
• "Your hardworking spirit inspires us all, so we're very excited that you're back at work!" 
• "Your unwavering commitment is a clear indication that you love what you do, so we're very happy to have you back in the office." 
• "Welcome back! We missed you." 
• "We're so happy you're back!" 
• "Welcome back! Best wishes on your return. All of your friends here missed you and we can't wait to see your continued success."

These welcome back messages work perfectly for any coworker, no matter the reason for their absence. They express happiness without prying into personal matters, which is always a respectful way to greet a returning colleague. 

 However, oftentimes you know why your coworker was out, and it's worth mentioning it in your message. The next few groupings will address the various reasons someone might leave work.

ALSO SEE:  15 Ways to Say Thank You for the Hospitality

Give a Warm Welcome to Coworkers Coming Back From Maternity Leave

If you have a coworker that's been out caring for a new little one (and themselves) they would almost certainly enjoy warm wishes upon their return. For a new mother it can be difficult to return to work after such a life-changing event. Welcome them back with flowers, open arms, and a warm handwritten card containing something like these examples.

• "We missed you while you were out tending to your new family! We are so glad to have you back." 
• "Welcome back! We have all been eagerly waiting for your return, almost as much as you were awaiting your little one." 
• "You are an amazing mom but we are excited to have you back at work." 
• "We're sorry you have to leave your growing family, but it's great to have you back with ours! We have all been missing you." 
• "Congratulations on your new arrival! We are so excited to have you back at work. Welcome back!" 
• "Welcome home to your work family! We missed you and are so happy you're finally back."
• "We are beyond thrilled to have you back with us again. We can't wait to meet your new addition!" 
• "You've been through an amazing journey and we can't wait to have you back at work. Welcome back from all of us!" 
• "You have been such a dedicated mother and we are excited to have you back at work with us." 
• "Your family is your top priority but we are happy to have you back with us too!" 
• "Coming back to work after maternity leave forces some tough choices. We're ecstatic that you chose to come back to the office. Welcome back!"

Welcome a Coworker Back After They Took an Extended Leave for Their Mental Health

If you have a coworker that recently took an extended leave for their mental health, it is so important to make them feel comfortable and accepted upon their return. Here are some examples of kind things you can say.

• "You're back! We missed you and are so glad you're feeling better." 
• "Welcome home! We're so happy to have you back and can't wait to catch up." 
• "We missed your smile and are so excited to have you back at work. Welcome back!" 
• "You've been through a lot and we're just glad you're back with us." 
• "Your mental health is so important to us and we're just happy you're taking the time you need to heal." 
• "We support your decision to take care of yourself and are happy to have you back when you're ready." 
• "You're not alone in this, we're all here for you. Welcome back." 
• "We're so excited to have you back and can't wait to see how much you've grown." 
• "You're an amazing person and we're glad you're back with us. Welcome back to your second family!" 
• "Your journey is inspiring and we're all behind you, welcome home."

GREET AN INDISPENSABLE WORKER BACK FROM AN EXTENDED SICK LEAVE

When someone you rely on at work takes an extended sick leave, it can be difficult to manage. You may find yourself struggling to fill their shoes. So, when they're finally back and up to speed, make sure you give them a heartfelt welcome home. Here are some examples of things you can say.

• "We're so glad you're feeling better and are able to be back with us again." 
• "Welcome home! We missed you and are happy to have you back at work." 
• "Welcome back to work! You were sorely missed but we're glad you're finally back and on the mend." 
• "We hope you're feeling better and can't wait to have you back at work." 
• "Get well soon! We're all missing you and can't wait to have you back." 
• "You're an essential part of this team and we're so glad you're back with us." 
• "We missed your positive attitude and are glad to have you back at work. Welcome back!" 
• "You're an invaluable member of this team and we're so happy to have you back." 
• "You're an incredible worker and we're glad you're feeling better and can be back with us." 
• "We missed your hard work and dedication, welcome back!"

WELCOME A REVIVED PROFESSIONAL AFTER A BREAK IN THEIR CAREER

If someone you know has taken a long break in their career, for whatever reason, it's so important to make them feel comfortable and accepted upon their return. Here are some examples of kind things you can say.

• "You're back! We missed you and are so glad you're feeling better." 
• "Welcome back! We're so happy to have you back and can't wait to catch up." 
• "We missed your smile and are so excited to have you back at work." 
• "You've been through a lot and we're just glad you're back with us." 
• "Your mental health is so important to us and we're just happy you're taking the time you need to heal." 
• "We support your decision to take care of yourself and are happy to have you back when you're ready." 
• "You're not alone in this, we're all here for you. Welcome back." 
• "We're so excited to have you back and can't wait to see how much you've grown." 
• "You're an amazing person and we're glad you're back with us." 
• "Your journey is inspiring and we're all behind you, welcome home." 
• "Your good health is more important than work considerations. We're very happy you can now have both. Welcome back!"

SAYING "WELCOME BACK" TO A COWORKER RETURNING FROM A LONG VACATION

When a coworker returns from an extended vacation, it can be difficult to know what to say. You may feel like you missed out on a lot while they were away or you may be feeling envious of their time off. Either way, it's important to make them feel welcomed back into the workplace. Here are some examples of things you can say.

• "We missed you while you were gone but we're so happy you're back!" 
• "Welcome home! We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable time away." 
• "We can't wait to hear all about your vacation, welcome back!" 
• "It's so good to have you back! We missed you and are excited to catch up." 
• "You were missed but we're so glad you're back and can't wait to hear all about your trip." 
• "Welcome home! We hope you had a great time and are rested and ready to get back to work." 
• "We're excited to have you back and can't wait to see all the amazing photos from your trip." 
• "You're back! We hope you had a great time and are ready to jump back into work." 
• "Welcome home! We missed you and can't wait to hear all about your adventures." 
• "So glad you're back! We hope you had a wonderful time and are ready to get back to work."

Jokes for Saying Welcome Back to Work

If you want to make your coworker laugh, try one of these welcome back messages with a touch of humor. Just be careful not to come off as rude or insensitive.

• "Glad you could tear yourself away from that beach/mountain/lake/resort!" 
• "We missed you... or at least your work." 
• "We all chipped in and got you a welcome back present. It's called 'more work.'" 
• "Vacation? What's that?" 
• "Welcome back! We missed your beautiful face... and your workload." 
• "Looks like someone's been working on their tan!" 
• "We missed you... now get back to work!" 
• "Glad you had a great time, now it's time to pay for it!" 
• "Welcome home! We hope you're rested and ready to dive back into the grind." 
• "It's wonderful to have you back...not enough for a pay raise, but still, welcome back!"

Make your welcome back messages easy

Handwritten cards deliver gratitude far more effectively than an email or text message, but they're time-consuming to create. Simply Noted allows you to automate their creation with the most convincing robot-generated handwriting in the industry. We use real ballpoint pens and proprietary AI-driven "Infinity" fonts to create realistic cards that convey welcoming messages as effectively as your own hand.