HELPING A NEW EMPLOYEE FEEL WELCOME CREATES A LASTING IMPRESSION
Choosing a new employee from a field of applicants may not seem like a big deal to many managers and business owners. To the new hire, it is a very big deal. They are excited, nervous and may have given up a comfortable position elsewhere to be in their new environment. Making the first day, and the first few days feel like a warm and welcoming atmosphere will create lasting goodwill, and allow the new team member to feel like they belong.
Have A Plan For The New Hire’s First Day
On or before the first day, it is important to convey expectations, and number one is the transparency of rate of pay. It also helps to cover things like dress code, timekeeping, and company cell phone policy. Next, the new hire should be instructed to whom they report, where to park, enter the building, and put a lunch bag or backpack. Depending on the conditions, an employee should have the peace of mind a secure place to store their belongings provides. Decide in advance who will meet, greet, and if not yet completed, collect the new hire documentation necessary for the organization’s human resource function. New hire paperwork should include a W-4, I-9, and employee manual. If employee benefits are available, having someone adequately explain, provide written materials, and impress to the new hire that this is part of their compensation plan should never be overlooked. Keeping employees healthy by providing health care benefits is a win to both the employer and employee. Being ready with a plan for the new hire allows them to feel useful, and not as though they are just standing around in the way of typical workday activities.
Use New Employee Training As An Opportunity To Build Company Brand
Showing the new hire around the physical work place, introducing them to a few key staff members, and helping them feel less conspicuous will help the first day become the beginning of a productive work week. Will the meet and great person also be the trainer or supervisor? Sometimes another employee doing the same job is an effective way to train a new hire, though sometimes a star employee may not be such a great trainer. Choose the trainer for both their job knowledge and their ability to convey the new hire’s duties to them without jealousy or resentment. Give the new hire both job training, and organization training so that they understand the larger goals of the company. Allow them to feel like they are contributing to the success of the organization by explaining why what they are doing is important.
The First few Days Of A New Employee’s Experience Are Critical
The contacts a new hire has within the organization during the first few days of employment are essentially company ambassadors, and they color the experience the new hire goes home to contemplate during their off hours. Trainers should be friendly, remembering to smile and allow the new hire to ask questions. Embracing the new hire and engaging them early in the work relationship will translate into a smooth transition to workplace productivity, allowing them to focus on the job, and not so much the newness of the environment. Finally, ask for feedback from the new hire after a few days and listen to the response.
Call Sam Bond Benefit Group To Attract And Retain The Best Employees
Sam Bond Benefit Group, Inc. helps employers with new employee onboarding, providing solutions for employee benefits and HR management tools to attract and retain the best candidates to companies in all kinds of industries. Call now to speak with an agent (877) 426-6320 or contact us on the web to learn more.
Samantha Bond Richman has been working in the employee benefits and administration field for over 30 years helping employers with human resources.
