Prepare Your Employee for Their First Day at Work
With a little preparation, you can turn a new employee's first-day nerves into real excitement. Here are 10 onboarding tips for a smooth start.
I|
iWallet | Blog Yazarı
July 13, 2020
5 min read
With a little preparation, you can turn a new employee's first-day nerves into real excitement. Here are 10 onboarding tips to help new hires settle smoothly into your team.
We all know that a new employee's first day can be overwhelming, not just for the new hire but for the employer too. Beyond teaching someone a completely new role, the employer is expected to help them adjust to a new company culture and working environment.
With some preparation, you can turn typical first-day nerves into real excitement. Making the right first impression not only helps your employee feel ready for their new job and responsibilities, but also helps them feel at ease in your organisation.
1. Send a welcome announcement to the company
Before the new employee arrives, send a welcome announcement to the rest of the company. It should include some basic information about them:
Name
Job title
Department
Personal details such as favourite hobbies or foods
Colleagues can then easily see whether they share an interest or experience that could help break the ice.
2. Prepare their workspace
On their first day, make sure someone is waiting at the door to greet them. Also make sure their workspace is ready, with the following set up in advance:
Computer
Phone
Email and network access
Office supplies
This shows the new employee that they are a priority and a valued member of the organisation. It also solves many logistical issues up front, so their first day can be meaningful and productive.
3. Provide a staff directory
Giving your new employee a staff directory helps them get to know their colleagues and feel more comfortable introducing themselves. An up-to-date online employee directory is a good option. It also helps them direct their questions to the right people.
4. Simplify first-day paperwork
First-day formalities can be tedious, especially when dealing with new paperwork. Instead of spending valuable time filling in form after form, have your employee sign their documents electronically. This not only saves time but also keeps all the necessary documents in one place for future use. Ask your new hire to complete them electronically on their first day, or better still, before their start date.
5. Offer a solid training programme
While many aspects of starting a new job are stressful, taking on new responsibilities is probably at the top of the list. With a clear and comprehensive training programme, you can ease new employees' first-day nerves and help them feel prepared and motivated for the work ahead.
6. Assign a mentor
On their first day, pair each new employee with a colleague or mentor. This helps them feel more comfortable and encourages them to ask questions, whether big ones like "How do I complete this task?" or everyday ones like "Where's the best place nearby for lunch?" A mentor can help a new employee settle into the company culture much faster.
7. Plan an event
A planned team event is a great way to make a new employee feel welcome on their first day. Events like this give new and existing employees a chance to get to know each other in a more relaxed setting and build strong relationships and channels for collaboration.
8. Give a welcome gift
Everyone loves receiving gifts, so consider giving a few small things to welcome your new hire:
A company T-shirt or mug
Office supplies such as a pen or notebook
A map showing the best lunch spots around the office
9. Check in at the end of the week
At the end of the first week, make sure you give your new hire the chance to ask any questions they have. This period can be overwhelming, but checking in regularly will make them feel supported and included.
10. Show your enthusiasm
Make sure your new hire knows you are excited to work with them. From their very first day, there are many ways to show your enthusiasm, whether by using these tips or by creating a first-day ritual that is unique to your company and culture.
We all know that a new employee's first day can be overwhelming, not just for the new hire but for the employer too. Beyond teaching someone a completely new role, the employer is expected to help them adjust to a new company culture and working environment.
With some preparation, you can turn typical first-day nerves into real excitement. Making the right first impression not only helps your employee feel ready for their new job and responsibilities, but also helps them feel at ease in your organisation.
1. Send a welcome announcement to the company
Before the new employee arrives, send a welcome announcement to the rest of the company. It should include some basic information about them:
Name
Job title
Department
Personal details such as favourite hobbies or foods
Colleagues can then easily see whether they share an interest or experience that could help break the ice.
2. Prepare their workspace
On their first day, make sure someone is waiting at the door to greet them. Also make sure their workspace is ready, with the following set up in advance:
Computer
Phone
Email and network access
Office supplies
This shows the new employee that they are a priority and a valued member of the organisation. It also solves many logistical issues up front, so their first day can be meaningful and productive.
3. Provide a staff directory
Giving your new employee a staff directory helps them get to know their colleagues and feel more comfortable introducing themselves. An up-to-date online employee directory is a good option. It also helps them direct their questions to the right people.
4. Simplify first-day paperwork
First-day formalities can be tedious, especially when dealing with new paperwork. Instead of spending valuable time filling in form after form, have your employee sign their documents electronically. This not only saves time but also keeps all the necessary documents in one place for future use. Ask your new hire to complete them electronically on their first day, or better still, before their start date.
5. Offer a solid training programme
While many aspects of starting a new job are stressful, taking on new responsibilities is probably at the top of the list. With a clear and comprehensive training programme, you can ease new employees' first-day nerves and help them feel prepared and motivated for the work ahead.
6. Assign a mentor
On their first day, pair each new employee with a colleague or mentor. This helps them feel more comfortable and encourages them to ask questions, whether big ones like "How do I complete this task?" or everyday ones like "Where's the best place nearby for lunch?" A mentor can help a new employee settle into the company culture much faster.
7. Plan an event
A planned team event is a great way to make a new employee feel welcome on their first day. Events like this give new and existing employees a chance to get to know each other in a more relaxed setting and build strong relationships and channels for collaboration.
8. Give a welcome gift
Everyone loves receiving gifts, so consider giving a few small things to welcome your new hire:
A company T-shirt or mug
Office supplies such as a pen or notebook
A map showing the best lunch spots around the office
9. Check in at the end of the week
At the end of the first week, make sure you give your new hire the chance to ask any questions they have. This period can be overwhelming, but checking in regularly will make them feel supported and included.
10. Show your enthusiasm
Make sure your new hire knows you are excited to work with them. From their very first day, there are many ways to show your enthusiasm, whether by using these tips or by creating a first-day ritual that is unique to your company and culture.