Making sure that a new employee feels welcomed is key to starting off on the right foot. There are many things you can do to help a new hire feel welcome, but there are 3 key things that must not be forgotten or overlooked during the on-boarding process.
1. Keep them in the Loop
It’s important to make sure the lines of communication are open before the new employee ever starts work. Stay in contact with the employee after the offer stage via phone calls and emails, giving them an idea of what to expect. Information such as dress code, training schedule, and general daily schedule are all things that are helpful for a new hire to understand prior to starting.
Is it ok for the new hire to dress business casual, or should they be dressed business formal?
What are the expected hours of work?
What will their training schedule look like? Will it be classroom style training or hands-on, observation training?
Is there a break room for lunch and a place to store or prepare lunch? Are there restaurants nearby?
By understanding what to expect, the new employee is more comfortable when starting.
2. Give them a personal space
I have seen managers start a new hire without little to no preparation in the office. It is awkward and very unwelcoming for a new hire to start their first day with a cubical that still holds personal items of a previous employee. Do your new hire a favor and remove those items before hand. Make sure your new employee has a clean and blank slate to begin their career with your company.
Make sure there is a working phone, computer, blank notepads, highlighters, pens, etc for your employee. Your new employee will feel welcomed just knowing that you have planned and prepared for them.
3. Prepare the team
There is nothing worse for a new employee to start their first day with new co-workers unaware of their arrival. “Who are you?” and “What is your job?” are not welcoming questions from team members.
After you have established offer acceptance and a start date, tell your team about the new employee. Share with the team the new employee’s background and experience, as well as the anticipated start date and position title.
By informing everyone of the new employee, you are promoting a different type of welcoming amongst the team. Instead of the team wondering who that new face is, they will now be able to welcome their new teammate warmly, allowing them to break the ice with the new employee, starting conversation by referencing background and experience.
It’s not difficult to make a new employee feel welcomed and at home in a new workplace. Keeping them in the loop, giving them a personal work space, and preparing your team of their arrival are all things that will help the first days and weeks go smoother and more pleasant for your new hire.
What are some things that you do to ensure that your new employees feel welcomed? Please share your tips in the comments below!
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