Now that you’ve found your new employees, you must figure out how to keep them. We all know that the onboarding experience can make or break an employee’s long-term commitment to your organization. It’s not just about getting them up to speed and productive quickly; it’s about making them feel welcome and valued from day one. Don’t let your new team members feel like “John” did in his first few weeks on his new job.
When John arrived for his first day, he was excited. He felt he had found his dream job and was ready to dive in. However, instead of meeting his coworkers and being welcomed by his new boss, the HR representative handed him a stack of paperwork to complete in isolation, leaving John feeling disconnected. No one reached out to introduce themselves or provide guidance on how the day was supposed to be structured. He wasn’t sure what to do for lunch and even wandered around the building to find the restroom.
On the other hand, “Mark” was also excited about his new adventure. When he arrived at the office, there was a Welcome sign in the lobby with his name. His manager greeted him and took him to the breakroom, where bagels, coffee, and a roomful of coworkers were waiting to greet him. He was given a basket of company swag, a list of local restaurants, and things to do. He was invited to lunch with a company “buddy,” who answered his questions and gave him the grand tour.
Out of these two stories, which employee do you think has a better chance of staying?
From day one, you want to embrace a culture of inclusivity and invest in onboarding to create an environment where new hires thrive. Remember, a positive onboarding experience sets the stage for long-term engagement and success. #EmployeeRetention #PositiveOnboardingToday, we’re diving into some key tips to ensure your new hires feel right at home. Let’s get started! #OnboardingSuccess #EmployeeEngagement
1️. Share the big picture: 🌍🖼️
One crucial step is helping new hires understand how their role contributes to your organization’s overall goals and mission. Provide them with an organizational chart, preferably with pictures of everyone, explaining how different teams collaborate and highlighting ongoing projects. Additionally, clarify the preferred communication channels within and between departments. This way, your new team members will clearly understand their roles and where they fit in the larger picture. #CompanyCulture #EffectiveCommunication
2. Set expectations for coworkers: 🤝📝
Whenever a new team member joins, it’s inevitable that team dynamics will shift. To ease this transition, could you prepare your current employees by letting them know about any changes in roles or responsibilities? Could you communicate the handoff process if some tasks will be reassigned to the new hire? To foster camaraderie, consider organizing an informal reception on the first day, allowing everyone to get acquainted with them and feel more comfortable. #TeamCollaboration #SmoothTransitions
3. Have a Buddy Program: 👥🤝
Being the “new kid on the block” can be daunting, so why not assign a buddy to help them navigate the ropes? Pair your new hire with a current employee who can answer their questions, provide guidance, and help them integrate into the company culture. Encourage the buddy and the new employee to have lunch together on the first day and facilitate additional one-on-one meetings with other team members. This way, they’ll feel supported and connected right from the start. #Mentorship #EmployeeSupport
4. Timing is everything: 🕒⌛
Please be aware of when your new hires begin their employment. Starting when their manager is on leave or just before a holiday might unintentionally send the message that their arrival isn’t a priority. Ensure they have the necessary resources and support to kick off their journey on a positive note. A little extra attention during the crucial early days goes a long way. #NewHireExperience #AttentionToDetail
5. Add a personal touch: ✉️📞🤗
Don’t let paperwork dominate your new team member’s first day. Encourage them to complete paperwork ahead of time so they can hit the ground running. Instead, focus on helping them acclimate to their new environment during their initial weeks. Swap out generic template emails with personalized messages, pick up the phone for a friendly chat, or even drop by their workspace for an in-person conversation. These small gestures show that you genuinely care about their experience. #PersonalConnection #EmployeeWellbeing
Remember, investing time and effort into your onboarding process pays off in the long run. Creating a warm and welcoming environment will foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among your new hires. Make their journey with your company a memorable one! 🌟💼
This article is from my “Breaking the Retention Code” Newsletter on LinkedIn. Feel free to check it out and subscribe!