Saying “looking forward to working with you” at work
Why it can fall flat
“looking forward to working with you”
The word “forward” in “looking forward to working with you” has been repeated so often that it reads like a copied sign-off, and it never says what you are glad about. A reader wants to feel welcomed and confident the work will go well, and this line offers neither.
Say this instead
- 01
Thank you for the opportunity to join your team. I'm excited to get started and to learn how you like things done.
Boss · Email
Suits a first message after an offer or move, since it shows gratitude and a willingness to learn.
- 02
Welcome to the team! Really glad you're joining us. Shout if you need anything while you find your feet.
Coworker · Chat
Friendly and casual for a new colleague, and it gives them an easy way to ask for help.
- 03
I'm glad to have you on my team. I'm keen to see what you bring and to help you settle in.
Someone you manage · Chat
Fits someone's first week because it sounds supportive and doesn't pile on expectations.
- 04
Thanks for your help so far. I enjoyed our conversation and I'm keen to take the next step together.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Keeps the tone warm and forward-looking while the hiring process is still moving.
- 05
Hi Shalini, thanks for choosing us. It's a pleasure to be helping you with this, and we're here if you have any questions.
Customer · SMS
A short, friendly welcome after a customer signs up or books, and it fits easily in one text.
- 06
Glad we're teaming up on the product launch. It would help to compare notes early, so let me know a good time this week.
Coworker · Email
Turns a polite sentiment into a concrete first step when you'll be sharing a project.
- 07
Nice to meet you today. I enjoyed hearing what you're aiming for, and I'm glad to be part of it.
Client · Chat
Best straight after a first call, since it points back to something specific from the conversation.
- 08
Welcome aboard. I'm glad we're starting this project together and I want it to be a smooth experience for you.
Client · Email
Sets a welcoming tone at the start of an engagement and makes no promises about results.
Examples
Hi Pranav, Thanks for the kickoff call today. I enjoyed hearing how your team works, and I'm glad to be part of this project. If it helps, I can send over a short list of questions before we meet again. Best regards, Imogen
Welcome to the team, Lou! Really glad you're here. If anything in the setup docs is unclear, just message me and we'll sort it out.
What to avoid
- Pasting the same line into every message is a giveaway, because people notice when it's copied.
- Stacking it with other stock phrases like “please do not hesitate to contact me” makes the whole message feel templated.
- Ending a message that holds bad news or a complaint with it can make it sound sarcastic.
- Big promises such as “I'll make this the best project ever” undercut the warmth, so keep it believable.
- With someone you've worked alongside for years, a specific thank-you reads better than this line.