[WandaS]

What is the best way to welcome an employee from another department who has been transferred to my department due to budgetary issues.

This person in the past has not been particulary friendly and she is not happy about this transfer?

[Stuart Wingate]

I have a couple of suggestions:

If you are the manager of the department she is coming into, I'd recommend having a chat with her. Welcome her, be open about why she is there and while it isn't the best of situations, get consensus to make the best of the situation. Let her know that the whole team is looking forward to working with her and that you expect her to put her best foot forward.

If you are an employee in the department, take the lead for the team -- welcome her with open arms and mind. Invite her to coffee with some other team members so you can get to know each other. Let her know that you all understand this isn't the best of times for the company but you all are committed to helping her get acclimated to the new environment and team.

Keep us posted as to how it goes!

[Jodith]

It might be nice to welcome her to her new department with a small gift of some kind, an inexpensive flower arrangement or department coffee mug. It's different than a normal new hire, and I'd got out of my way to make her feel welcome and appreciated.

As Stuart suggested, invite her for coffee or to lunch. Make sure that if the group is has plans that she gets invited. In a situation like this, she might feel like an outsider that is being foisted upon the group. Try to make sure she is treated as a welcome addition and not someone to be tolerated. It might go a long way to her being more friendly in the future.

[deana79]

I agree with the previous responses! Make her feel welcome and part of the group. A small welcoming gift would help her feel welcome and wanted. If your company allows for it, perhaps you could plan a department outing or lunch to help her get to know the group.