Try to think back to a time when you were a new employee. Perhaps you were excited, with a mix of first day jitters. Maybe your experience wasn’t pleasant, and you didn’t feel welcome by your new coworkers. The good news is that as an employer, you have the opportunity to help make your employees comfortable, including your brand new ones.
Show Them You’ve Been Expecting Their Arrival
Sometimes when you arrive at a new job, you find that most of your new coworkers had no idea that you were starting. Or they encounter their supervisors scrambling to find them a workstation or supplies for their first week. It can be extremely disheartening to an employee and make them wonder why they are even wanted in the first place. You can avoid that discomfort by trying a few of the following things:
- Making sure their workstation is prepped and ready to go.
- Give them a welcome present, maybe a gift card or some company swag.
- Make sure the entire company is aware of the new-hire and encouraged to make them feel welcomed.
- Clear your schedule and make intentional time to show the employee around and make them comfortable.
Provide Competent Training
Naturally, you plan to train your employee, but make sure you teach them the little job things a seasoned employee may take for granted. Ask around your office and see if there are things that employees wish they knew when they started. Incorporate some of those aspects into your training.
Ask For Feedback
One of the most mutually beneficial things you can do as a leader is asking for feedback. At some point during the end of their first week, genuinely ask how they are feeling and ask for honest feedback. Not only will it make them feel welcome, but it will also help you grow as a leader and as a company.
Starting at a new job can be incredibly difficult and stressful. Anything you do to make that process easier and smoother will not only help your new-hire but stretch you as a leader as well.