We all know what the first day, even week, feels like. Everything is new, lunch is always questionable (is there a microwave, fridge?), are you going to fit in with the office, etc. It is all new, a little scary, and very exciting. Since we all know what that first day feels like, now we can work out some onboarding mistakes that maybe you have experienced at one point. Here are four easy things to do to ensure that you are putting people first and executing a strong onboarding process.
Call the Week Before the Start Date
The week prior to a new hire start date is usually when someone starts to gear up for their new role. This is also when all the questions start popping up. Advice to the employer, pick up the phone and give your new hire a call! Set an agenda that addresses start time, lunch, dress code, where to enter, who to ask for when they arrive, parking, etc. These things will put their mind at ease. It’s a simple conversation that goes a long way.
Welcome Your New Hire
Make your new hire feel welcomed the minute they walk in the door. Do not be afraid to take 5-10 minutes to sit, grab a cup of coffee and go over the plan for the day. Right after, take them on a tour and introduce them to everyone. Send an email welcoming them to the team along with a brief bio- this gives your employees talking points when they bump into each other at work. There is nothing better than feeling at home and welcomed your first day.
Lunch the First Day
If your company does not take new hires out to lunch or get an office lunch for new hires, let your new hire know what you have available to them for their lunch. It can be as simple as: “Here at the office, *amenities* are available to you, or if you like to leave the office for lunch, I can provide a list of restaurants nearby.” If you offer lunch to your new hires, the conversation might look like: “We would love for the team to introduce themselves to you, with that, don’t worry about lunch your first day. Do you have any allergies I should know about?”.
Not Knowing What Your First Day or Week Will Look Like
Whether a week’s schedule or a daily check-in, communicating expectations or goals is helpful for a new hire. With everything being new, having a plan may be settling and will help ease their mind.
Add these few steps and you’ll be on your way to executing a strong onboarding process which will make your new hire feel prepared, welcomed, and successful! The little details during the onboarding process make all the difference.
