The 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.
- Share the big picture. Let new hires know exactly how their position contributes to the goals and mission of the organization. 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 team members and departments.
- 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, share what 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.
- 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, and make them feel more comfortable with their new surroundings. Make sure that the new employee and their buddy have lunch together on the first day. You can also arrange one-on-one lunches and meetings for the new employee and others in the company who can welcome and integrate them into the company culture.
- Timing is everything. Pay conscious attention to when the new hire begins their employment with you. If they start at a time when their manager is going out on leave, or right before a holiday, the new employee may feel like their joining the company is not a priority. Make sure they have the people and the resources they need to get off to a good start.
- Add a personal touch. Don’t make your new team member sit in an office by themselves and fill out paperwork for their entire first day. Have them do as much of the paperwork ahead of time and spend the first couple weeks allowing the newbie to acclimate to their new surroundings. Send personal emails instead of templates, pick up the phone, drop by for an in-person chat.
By paying attention to your onboarding process, and adding a personal touch, you will create a welcoming environment that will encourage your new hires to stay.
