Soar to Success July 2019

T he onboarding experience you create for your new employees can make the difference in whether they stay for the long term or jump ship at the first job offer that comes their way. Many companies are more focused on getting their new team members ramped up and contributing quickly rather than allowing them to adjust and get settled in – thus making it more about the process than the experience. Ultimately, the impact on employees is that they may have feelings of hesitation as to why they joined your company, which will cause them to regret their decision and leave. Here are three tips to make your employees welcome and included from day one. 1. Share the big picture. Let new hires know exactly how their position contributes to the goals and mission of the organization. Putting Out the Welcome Mat: Onboard Tips to Make New Hires Feel at Home By Lisa Ryan Provide an organizational chart and share how teams work together, the projects they are working on, and the communication modes most often used and preferred between teammembers and departments. 2. Set expectations for coworkers. When a new person joins a company, team dynamics will inevitably change as well. Prepare your current employees for any change in roles or responsibilities. If some of their work will be given to the new person, sharewhat the handoff process will look like. Having an informal reception for your new employee on day one will give coworkers the opportunity to get to know each other and make everyone a little more comfortable. 3. Have a Buddy Program. Pair a current employee with your new hire so the “new kid on the block” has someone to show them the ropes, answer their questions,