Despite the financial forecast, business is booming at your company. Sales are up and your days are jam-packed with meetings, phone calls, and daily responsibilities. Your current employees have noticed the demand, and while they are managing to keep up with the work, you know it is time to hire another employee.
After weeks of reading through resumes and conducting interviews, you have finally hired the newest member of your team. You decide upon a start date and plan to go over all procedures, policies, and responsibilities on that day. However, when the day arrives, you have neglected to stock the employee’s desk and spend hours overwhelming him with information. At the end of the first day, he leaves overwhelmed and confused.
Perhaps there are better ways to introduce a new employee into your office. Consider trying out one or more of these tips to ensure your employee’s first day is pleasurable and welcoming:
1. Stock the work area with pens, pencils, paper, stapler, post-it notes, computer, printer, or any other office equipment that may be needed. If the employee will spend a great deal of time at the desk, ensure that an ergonomic and comfortable desk, mouse, keyboard, and chair are offered.
2. Consider announcing the newest member to other workers. You could do this by sending out an office memo or e-mail or even posting it on the office bulletin board. If you are technologically savvy, you can even post the announcement on Twitter or Facebook.
3. Introduce the employee to his coworkers. Consider introducing coworkers that he will be directly working with first. Save other coworkers for another day when it is not so overwhelming.
4. Have the receptionist provide a tour of the facility. This will acquaint the employee on places such as the break room and restroom. It will also give the new employee a chance to meet a friendly face (as most receptionists should be friendly).
5. Make the employee familiar with their job responsibilities and tasks. Explain what is expected of them and give brief introductions into the specific machines, software, or such that the employee will be using. Explain the rules and policies. Provide them with a handbook.
6. Although it is important to explain the job functions and even the company’s rules, do not overwhelm the employee on the first day. You may consider offering them enough information to get through their first day. You can then schedule to meet with them every morning until they become comfortable in their new position.
7. Have the president or CEO of the company stop by the employee’s work area on the first day. Even if they can only stop and get acquainted for a few minutes, this introduction will reinforce that the employee is valuable to the company.
8. Stop in and chat with the employee during lunch or breaks. Most new employees spend their first few weeks sitting alone during an hour lunch. The employee will quickly become isolated if nobody notices.
9. Listen to the employee. During the first day, you can learn key information about the employee’s background, education, previous experience, etc. You can also identify if the employee has any specific needs such as an ergonomic split design keyboard to prevent any further carpal tunnel damage.
10. Pay close attention to the employee during the first few weeks. Note any difficulties they may be having. Most new employees will not approach you with questions. Be proactive and do a daily check-up with the employee to ensure all is going smoothly.
Starting a new job is often overwhelming. There are new procedures, rules, tasks, responsibilities, and so on to consider. However, as an employer, you can make the first few days more comfortable and prove that your business does value and care for their employees.
About Sozo Firm
Sozo Firm helps startup companies, small to mid-sized businesses & nonprofit organizations thrive through developing and implementing business optimization strategies. Our efficiency consulting addresses business processes, customer service, employees, marketing, public relations, and communication. Our internet strategy consulting addresses website usability, reputation management, social media, and internet marketing. Contact our senior consultant, Andrew Jensen, at 800.460.SOZO to learn how we can serve you.
Any helpful advise from the new employees point of view ? I am starting soon and will be going through orientation, what should I focus on ? networking ?