For many businesses around the world, the number “2019” on calendars and planners is not the only shiny new thing in the workplace this month. Along with the start of a new year, January also brings a number of new faces into one’s company. Whether they are brand new hires, or simply fresh-faced interns, the act of welcoming them into their new working environment can make all the difference – both to their experience in the workplace, and to the success of the company itself. Making new recruits feel welcome and helping them integrate into the company culture may seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you can ensure that the newest members of your team feel included and at ease!
- Be Prepared!
Make sure that everything is in order prior to the arrival of your new recruit – be it paperwork or just having their workspace ready and waiting. This will allow your new recruit to jump straight into their new job without having to spend too much time dealing with admin or trying to work out where they ought to be.
- Get To Know Your New Recruit
A very simple way to make a new employee feel welcome is to make sure that you (and the rest of their new department) know their name and when to expect them. As a business owner or leader, familiarizing yourself with your new recruit by getting to know them on a personal level (ask them about their interests or hobbies!) will make them feel valued as an individual.
- Embrace The Gift Of Giving
Offer your new recruit a small token of welcoming on their first day. This doesn’t need to be an extravagant gift! You can get creative with a company pen and a “Welcome to the Team!” note, or a company mug and a teabag for their first tea-break. Even a short and sweet email to say “Welcome!” can make or break a person’s first day on the job.
- March In Two-By-Two
Prevent your new recruit from feeling lost and disoriented during their first week by pairing them up with someone who knows the ropes and can act as their guide. The best person to appoint as a mentor would be someone with whom your new recruit will be working closely and who has a working knowledge of how the company operates.
- Meet & Greet
Organise a company/departmental Meet & Greet for all of your employees, both new and old. A welcoming function of this sort will allow for everyone to mingle and get to know one another – something that will also improve team dynamics later on! You can schedule this either as a lunch event, or as a fun, post-work, Friday function.
- Follow Up!
Be sure to extend your welcoming efforts beyond the first day of work. Check in with your new recruit after a week or two (and again after their first month) to see how they are progressing and settling into their new position. Part of the stress of starting a new job is wondering how well one is doing, so do let your new recruit know how they have been progressing! Positive feedback begets a positive work attitude, which will set the standard for their future with your company.