You’ve advertised, interviewed, and offered a position to your next all-star employee. Do you have a plan in place to integrate your newest team member into your company? ADP reports more than 25% of employees leave their jobs within the first 60 days, and a recent report by the Society for Human Resource Management showed that 1 in 25 employees leave their new jobs because of bad onboarding experiences. 1 Here are 7 simple steps to make the experience a welcoming one.
1. Orientation. If your company doesn’t have a separate orientation, the first day will probably include the down and dirty admin tasks including required paperwork, and an explanation of company culture, benefits, safety, health, and other key policy issues.
2. Office Space. Provide your new hire with the tools to be successful from day one. Have a workstation, desk, or office equipped and ready to go. Make sure they have access to a computer and phone as well as company software, websites, and email. An agenda for the first week might be helpful. A banner, fun note, balloons or company swag could add a welcoming touch to their new work environment.
3. Introductions. Take each new employee around to meet their team members as well as others in the company. A simple email or announcement within the company prior to the new hire’s first day can make the actual introduction more meaningful.
4. Mentoring. Pairing your new hire up with an established employee can be beneficial for everyone. The new hire feels an immediate sense of inclusion which can help them adapt more quickly and succeed in their new work environment. The mentor feels a sense of recognition and accomplishment by being chosen. The mutual flow of ideas will be a benefit for all involved.
5. Meet and Greet. Plan an informal lunch or get-together for team members to get acquainted in a casual setting. If an actual face-to-face isn’t practical, perhaps a video conference or group call will fill the bill.
6. Training. Although you’ve hired your new employee based on their proven expertise, all companies work a little differently. Your training should cover company rules, processes, procedures, and expectations.
7. Follow-up. Today more than ever, consistent follow-up and assessment are crucial. Workers want to know how they are doing on an on-going basis, not just in a formal, annual review.
The first few weeks are the most influential to a new hire’s outlook on your company – positive or negative – and set the tone for their relationship with your business in the long-term. Take the necessary steps to make that first impression count! 2
1 https://www.trinet.com/hr-insights/blog/2016/7-steps-to-an-effective-onboarding-process