Are you bucking the current trend and actually hiring a new employee? Here’s how to help that team member hit the ground running:
- Consider welcoming your new employee even before the official start date. A colleague joining a public relations firm received a gift basket full of samples from the agency’s clients. Even a hand-written note expressing delight that an employee has chosen to join the firm will get things off to a very positive beginning.
- Prior to day one, announce the new hire internally and provide background on the joining team member. Encourage those who will work with the new employee to send a welcome e-mail.
- On the first day, ensure the employee’s supervisor is available to take her to lunch and introduce her to others. If this isn’t possible, it’s critical to assign this role to a colleague. Failing to do so sends an unpleasant message. For instance, on the day that a client began with a new employer, she was surprised to learn that her supervisor was out of town for several days and she was “on her own” in terms of orientation. While she introduced herself to others and found her way around, she was taken aback that her supervisor hadn’t prepared for her first day.
- Ensure that the new employee receives a complete administrative briefing. For example, his office should be clean and orderly, his business cards ready and computer passwords provided.
- Communicate the organization’s business objectives and make sure the new employee understands how her role supports their achievement.
- Clearly establish measures of success. Within the first three months, set goals for the new employee and check back at the six month point to gauge progress.
By Jenny Schade, president, JRS Consulting. JRS Consulting helps organizations dramatically increase attraction among customers and employees. Jenny Schade has interviewed more than 1,000 employees while guiding organizations through turbulent change. Get more tips from the free JRS newsletter.
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