New employees bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can assist your company in continuous improvement. However, the company’s focus may not always extend to new onboarding and orienting employees. This can be especially problematic when individuals are hired during a time of organizational change. New management, organizational restructuring, and new goals can make anyone understandably a little overwhelmed.
And it can become even more overwhelming when the time comes for someone new to join the company. They’ve made it past all the interviews and job offers, but now they are faced with the hardest challenge of all. But there are ways that you can welcome and onboard your new employees with ease.
Let’s take a look at some of them in more detail:
Don’t wait till their first day.
Many emotions will be running through the mind of new employees on their first day, and the last thing you want to do is make this worse by throwing a lot of information at them. So, if you know that they have some downtime between finishing their old job to start with you, why don’t you make the most of this time by managing paperwork and going over any other important information? This can help to put them at ease, as well as help you be more prepared for their start date.
Prepare managers to welcome new hires.
Depending on the roles in your company, there is a good chance that the managers were not involved in the hiring process. If this is the case, make your managers welcome any new people. This will help to make the new team members feel more welcome, especially when the most important people in the company have taken the time to speak with them, providing them with a good start to life within your business.
Teach team dynamics to new hires.
Every company is different. The practices they followed in their old workplace may be completely different from the roles and dynamics that you have adopted. To make them feel part of the team, you must teach them your dynamics, so they can be part of your winning team which can drive your business into the future. Therefore, companies and employees should work together to make the transition smooth.
Schedule regular check-ins.
It is hard to say how long it will take your new employee to settle into the business, as it will all depend on their experience and the job role they have been accepted for. To make them feel as comfortable as possible, consider scheduling regular check-ins with your new employee to help make sure they’re getting on ok as well as answering any questions they may have.
Do not forget to assign a mentor.
Studies show that mentorship programs are valuable ways to facilitate a successful transition. By assigning a mentor to your new employee, your onboarding process becomes less chaotic and ensures your new hire feels supported from day one.
Ensure that they get to know the team.
The onboarding process can be stressful for new employees, and it can be especially difficult for the person who has to recruit and train them. But introducing the rest of the team as early as possible, as well as setting some time aside for team-building activities can help them to feel welcomed and part of the team, instead of feeling like an outsider.
Encourage new hires to ask questions.
It can be intimidating to walk into an office, especially if your boss is at the top. They may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, new employees should know that asking questions is one of the best ways to learn and grow in a company. So, push them to ask as many questions as possible as it is very likely that they will be provided with peace of mind when they have the answers.
Remember that it is an ongoing process.
You may find that some of your employees have reservations about their new position or duties. When onboarding new workers, it’s your responsibility to lift their spirits and help bring everyone into a cohesive unit. You can accomplish this by assisting them in understanding why their new role is important, celebrating their accomplishments, and encouraging them to reach their goals. Many employers hire employees for their knowledge and abilities and fail to make sure that they have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed.
Most companies know how important it is to hire the right employees, but they’re often not good at keeping them once they’re on board. This is why you must make the start of their journey with you the best it can possibly be. By following all the tips outlined above, you will be able to make them feel as welcome as possible. Good luck.