Preparing Your Team for a New Employee

The first day in a new job can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Expectations are high, and the constant flow of new information can seem overwhelming at times. By implementing a few measures (a few before your new hire even walks through the door), you’ll help them feel more at home, and ready to start work.

After the Acceptance

Once you’ve heard the ‘yes’ of an acceptance, it’s time to get busy. Make sure your new hire has a well-stocked place to work, with all the relevant tools of their daily trade. Ensure any passwords or login credentials are in place. A well-planned schedule for orientation will also go a long way to help everyone get settled. Arrange pre-set times for your new employee to meet with the principal members of staff. A printed list of phone numbers may seem a little ‘old-school’, but it’s often comforting for a new hire. Being able to scan a list of names for spelling, titles, and telephone extensions can often give a sense of belonging to your newest employee.

Announcement

Bringing a new person into a tightly knit work environment or team atmosphere can shake up even the most stable of work dynamics. Current employees may feel uncomfortable about welcoming someone new into their midst. To help make the transition as smooth as possible, bring your staff together and encourage an open conversation. Listen to any concerns raised, and address them directly.

Day One

Don’t expect too much actual work to be accomplished on day one; that first day is more about acclimation than achievements. It may seem a little wasteful to book a few hours for your new employee to get their bearings, but it’s time well spent. You’re setting the groundwork for great things, so making sure your new employee has time and space to get their feet firmly planted will pay off in the long run.

Buddy Up

Send a welcome email to your new hire with the work contact information for their ‘buddy.’ Having a work-friend – a personal go-to resource for information during those first few weeks – will also help your new hire get a better feel for the most subtle nuances of the work environment.

Check In

Once your new employee has been in their role for a few weeks, it’s the perfect time to sit down for a face-to-face meeting to catch up. Your new hire is still adapting to their new role and will likely have great feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. It’s also an ideal opportunity to address any inefficiencies that may have cropped up. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to redirect behaviors before they become bad habits.

By helping your newest employee feel valued among existing team, they’ll be more invested in their work from day one. Fostering a happy, healthy workplace means less absenteeism and greater productivity.

Do you need help creating a dynamic onboarding plan to help with future new hires? Are you just beginning your search process? Let the experienced staff at Morris Bixby help you find your next great team member today!

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