All businesses have some sort of program to get the new employee up to scratch. Generally, this procedure will range from defining their role to making sure they have the basic information to complete their job.
However, very few businesses actually have a program to make new hires feel welcome. This is strange considering a firm’s first impression is often highly correlated with long-term employee retention, loyalty and happiness.
This article will share 5 essential tips to make sure your new hires feel welcome.
- Personalise their workspace
It is important to show your new hires that they are appreciated. There is no better way to do this than presenting them with a fresh, clean and personalised workspace right off the bat. This may involve having their email addresses and passwords already setup, having stationary stocked and having a personalised phone extension ready.
- Give a detailed tour
A tour is perhaps one of the easiest procedures to implement and, at the same time, one of the most beneficial to new hires. During the tour you should introduce the new hire to all the members of your team as well as the appropriate facilities.
Be sure to make him or her aware of all the quirks of the office. For example, it will make them feel more included if you tell them: “You will need to give the vending machine a small kick for it to work” or “Don’t bother Jane on Mondays”.
- Implement a buddy system
Assigning someone to show new hires the ropes is also extremely beneficial. Ideally, you should pick someone who will sit in close proximity with the new hire and will interact with him or her on a frequent basis. The ‘buddy’ will show the new hire how things work, offer support and answer any questions.
- Give them something to do
Don’t just let new hires sit idly for long periods; assign them tasks from the start! New hires will be eager to prove their value on the first day and it is a good idea to give them a chance to do so. By giving them a task, new hires will feel more appreciated and gain a better understanding of their role by learning through practical experience.
At the same time, however, make sure to give them a lighter load than an average employee so they feel like you are not throwing them in the deep end with no support.
- Small gestures
Finally, small gestures can go a long way in making a new hire feel welcome. These gestures may include a small gift on the first day or inviting a new hire to lunch every now and them.
The bottom line
Having a well thought out welcome program can have a lasting impact on company culture, employee retention and productivity. This article only provides a short list of possible ideas to make a new hire feel welcome. Don’t be afraid to use any other ideas you may have thought of!
Monique Goodyer works as a marketing specialist at Monaco Compensation Lawyers, one of Australia’s compensation law firms. She’s interested in business management and all things online.