Many companies struggle with designing the right programs to effectively orient employees to the many facets of their roles. Follow these tips, and you’ll be armed with actionable strategies to obtain the peak performance you desire and deserve, straight out of the gate. Start the process before “Day One” Day one can be overwhelming […]
Many companies struggle with designing the right programs to effectively orient employees to the many facets of their roles.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be armed with actionable strategies to obtain the peak performance you desire and deserve, straight out of the gate.
Start the process before “Day One”
Day one can be overwhelming for new hires and a waste of your time and theirs if you’re not prepared for them. Contact your new hires prior to day one to communicate what they can expect on the first day. If possible, have them come into the office in advance to cover guidelines, fill out the necessary HR paperwork, and get set up with IT.
This way, the first day isn’t filled with unnecessary down time and waiting. By getting them set up ahead of time, you establish respect for everyone’s time.
Engage your employees on day one
Every position has its share of mundane tasks. But day one is not the time to throw them all at your new employee. First impressions matter, particularly for members of Generation Y (also known as millennials) who make decisions about whether or not to stay with a company long-term during their first days on the job.
Reinforce that they have made the right decision to work for you by getting them contributing right away. Give new employees a task on their first day that allows them to use their brain and tap into their creativity — whether it’s researching a venue for an upcoming event or allowing them to sit in on a brainstorming meeting with you.
Showing new hires that they are important and that you value their contributions will also inspire productivity and loyalty toward your business.
Be a mentor, and help them foster relationships
First-day lunch is one of the most important experiences to get right for new employees. It can solidify that they are a culture fit or reinforce that they are not.
To encourage the former, set your new hires up to have lunch with colleagues or if it is appropriate, take them to lunch yourself. After day one, make it a regular occurrence to ask new hires about their working style and how you can support them in their position. Let your new employees get to know you too. Being a mentor is a two-way relationship. When you act as that mentor for your employees, particularly your young professionals who may be in their first job, you are inviting them into the company family.
You have the opportunity to create a significant, long-lasting, positive impact on your new hires by following these simple and effective tips. The most important thing is that you get to it by day one.
What are your strategies for making day one a success for you and your new hires? How do you get your newest employees oriented, integrated, and delivering results as efficiently, effectively, and energetically as possible?
Alexia Vernon is an author, speaker, certified coach, and trainer who specializes in helping organizations recruit, retain, educate, and grow their young professional work force. This article was provided by and is reprinted with the permission of Liverpool–based Contemporary Personnel Staffing, Inc.
