We’ve talked about the importance of onboarding in past blogs and videos. When you have a well-planned out method for onboarding new staff, everyone wins. The new staff member feels like they made a great choice in accepting your position and your organization wins because you have a happy and soon to be productive employee.
As a recruiter in Boston with decades of experience, we’ve made some observations about how to make new staff happy and productive quickly.
You can view our video regarding onboarding on our YouTube site but here are a few more suggestions to get your new staff member ready to take on new challenges and not just be a new employee but a great addition.
Make Day One Awesome.
A staff member’s first day is critical. Yes, they should have a really good idea of your company culture from going through the interview process but it doesn’t compare to day one when they arrive. If possible, have a mentor or supervisor ready to greet them at the door. Show them around, introduce them to other staff or at least their department and show them you are excited about when they can contribute.
Have Everything Ready.
There is nothing worse for a new addition to your staff than not having their desk ready, their computer set up and even passwords for their access to the network. And of course, don’t forget their new email address. And if they need any security credentials for access to the building or office, make sure that is taken care of on day one.
Move Forward But Not Too Fast.
This is a job so you really shouldn’t wait to get them in the trenches and working on assignments. Once they have met their team and have had a chance to get a little comfortable, begin to show them what’s expected of them. While again, they should have a good idea of the position they have taken by interviewing with you, actually being in the workplace can be a little stressful for some their first few days. Go over the jobs tasks and assignments but ease them into the role.
Recap Day One…And Two…
Take time towards the end of the day and sit down with your new staff member. Don’t do all the talking. Let them have plenty of time to tell you about their day. Try to get a sense of what they liked and what you may need to work on to make them comfortable in their new role. It’s important to have an honest and open conversation. This helps them get acclimated to their role and it helps you assess how well you did at filling your position.
If you’re confident you made a great hire, don’t lose that momentum by getting your new team member off on the wrong foot. Take time in the beginning to give them a solid foundation and you’ll soon see that hire turn into an asset to your organization.
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