First-day jitters aren't exclusive to school. Starting a new job is exciting, but the unfamiliarity of the office, rapid-fire introductions, and different processes an employee experiences are enough to make even the most senior hire a little frazzled.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help new employees settle in comfortably sooner than later. Consider implementing these welcome activities as your company takes on fresh talent.
Once the new hire paperwork has been signed and received on your end, ask the new employee to email a favorite photo and a short 3-4 sentence paragraph that includes:
Send an all-company email introducing the new employee and letting your staff know to look out for them and say hello when they see them.
No matter the size of your office, a new employee will appreciate a heads-up on the location of common areas like the kitchen and restrooms, along with getting a general idea of the meeting rooms they’ll most-likely need to find as they shift into their new role.
Host Department Lunches for New Employees
Turn a new employee’s first day into a celebratory experience by allocating funds for managers to take them for lunch with the team on their first day. An offsite lunch gives them the opportunity to interact with their new coworkers in a casual setting and share personal details that create meaningful connections.
Save the employee handbook for the orientation meeting. Spruce up a new employee’s desk in a way that will make them smile by creating a welcome package. A welcome package can include:
Develop Week 1 Training Schedule
Training programs are only as effective as they are personal. Meet with the new employee’s manager prior to their first day to develop a first-week training schedule that’s tailored to their new new role, along with a basic orientation session that’s fit for any newcomer. Training sessions can cover:
If you have regular monthly or quarterly all-company meetings, take a moment to acknowledge people who have recently joined by calling their names, asking them to stand, and telling the company their role and team.
When a new employee joins your company, see it as a learning experience for both of you. During the first month of their employment, ask a new employee to complete and submit a “New Hire Journal” on Friday at the end of each week for four weeks. The journal should include questions that will provide you with a fresh perspective on what it’s like to start out at your company.
You can ask:
The sooner a new employee can immerse themselves in your company culture, the more connected they’ll feel to their work, your mission, and the people who make your office a fun place to be. From the 6PM runners’ group to the Monday night quizzo gang to the in-house social committee, these cross-functional teams greatly contribute to employee satisfaction, and in turn, higher retention.
Tip: If you don’t already have one, consider adding a page or section to your company website that lists your clubs and committees. This will provide prospective employees with a glimpse of all the fringe benefits that come along with joining your crew.
From a new hire journal to a desk-side welcome gift, every gesture counts when a new employee decides to choose your company as the place where they’ll spend their time and lend their talents and experience. By creating a culture that invests in employees on their very first day, you’ll build a community of dedicated individuals who make a habit of contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the office doors.