Four Things You Must Share on Your New Hire’s First Day

Whether it’s your first day of kindergarten or your first day at a new job, there’s that same feeling of excitement and a little fear of the unfamiliar. Remember that feeling as you walk new hires through their first day and do what you can to alleviate the fear. In particular, these four tips go over some of the essentials you should cover with all new hires at the very beginning of the onboarding process to make for a smooth transition and a warm welcome.

1. Go over the endgame.

If you want an employee to get off to a quick start, they need to know what they’re working toward. Review the company’s goals, both short and long term, and what they will do to help meet them, focusing on how their skills and talents (after all, you did hire them over everyone else). Discuss the company’s history and where it’s come from, as well as where it’s going and what excites you about the process; this will help get new employees invested, as well. 

2. Get them on the team.

Part of the first day includes feeling like an outsider – do what you can to alleviate this feeling for your new hire on Day 1. Let them know you have on-the-job training available so they feel like you’re invested in their advancement. Give them some company swag and have a mentor or fellow employee tell them about the unwritten rules that don’t make it into the handbook (wearing local team gear on opening day of baseball season, never leave dirty dishes in the sink, offer to bake something for Birthday Month, etc.). Do what you can to make them feel included.

3. Make it comfortable.

Start by giving the new employee a clear workspace without a lot of clutter, then move on to a tour of the office so they get a sense of the layout. As you go along, introduce them to fellow employees, noting that sometimes they make helpful markers to remember where things are. In general, don’t throw everything at the employee at once; as with any project, breaking it down into chunks will allow a new employee to get trained more thoroughly and a manager to give more immediate feedback. 

4. Invite questions.

Of course any new employee, no matter how confident or qualified, will have questions. Make sure he knows that you encourage them, and let them know a few key point people who can help with specific areas. The new employee who can easily get a handle on the most important information will have a consistent knowledge base, which makes for a stronger company culture.

As you bring on new employees, do what you can to get them acclimated and working as a valued team member. To find your next great employee, visit PrideStaff.