When welcoming employees into any workplace it’s important to do the usual tasks, such as
employee introductions, office tours, amongst other elements. But what many companies
ignore is ensuring that new staff feels completely immersed and part of the team as soon as
possible. This will ensure the new hire feels motivated from the get go and improve the overall
organisational culture of the company.
Onboarding shouldn’t be a rigid process, here are some tips on how to welcome newbies and
make sure they are in it for the long haul:
1) Get to know the new recruit as a person
As a quick “get to know you task”, have a new employee complete a personality test to give you
an insight into whether they are kinesthetic, auditory or visual. A kinesthetic person will
appreciate a firm handshake and eye contact; visual people will like a note, whereas an auditory
individual prefers a verbal compliment.
It’s a good idea to make current employees aware of the new arrival by sending an e-mail or
mentioning it in a meeting. This ensures they are attentive and will take the time to ask ‘how is
your first week going?’ or ‘do you have any questions?’ Not only will implementing this welcome
plan help settle the new employee, it will also remind all members of staff the importance of
first impressions and to make everyone feel valued.
According to a recent survey completed by Google, a massive 88% of employees who are given
extra roles in terms of collaboration and training are more satisfied with their job. Giving the
new employee a mentor will help them understand the company routine faster and they will
feel comfortable to ask any questions about the workplace and workload. Although the mentor
will play the key role, you should remind other employees to jump in when needed.
After the second week, arrange to have a one-to- one coffee or lunch with the new recruit as this
will help them to be forthcoming in asking any unanswered questions and allows you to check
how they are finding their new working experience.
2) Take time to introduce the new employee to staff
One of the main worries for new employees is how well they will fit in with colleagues, therefore
instead of handing them a list of names; it’s a better idea to offer a list of co-workers alongside
their photos and a quick get-to- know fact for each employee. This will take the pressure off the
new employee as it enables them to put a face to a name.
Organising a lunch or after work drinks on the Friday after their first week will make them feel
comfortable and part of the team. It gives them more opportunity to get to know other workers,
more so than a meeting or quick chat in the staff room would.
Along with getting to know the staff better, sending them a handbook on the culture of the
company and the policies before their start date will give them a better understanding, while
also being able to arrive on the first day with questions.
3) Leave a small gift on their desk
In the unfamiliar surroundings of a new office on the first working day, leaving a gesture on the
recruits’ desk will make them feel valued. It’s a good idea to leave a gift related to the company
culture, for example a personalized company mug, pencils or something similar. Some
companies give an ‘essentials box’ with stationery, gadgets and coffee. Even though this may
seem like a small act, it is actually a brilliant strategy in making the arrival excited to start their
new job, increasing motivation right from the beginning.
Leaving a map of the area that the office is in alongside the gift is an effective and quirky way to
settle them in. The following example from Helpscout (a Boston based helpdesk software
company) shows a curated neighborhood guide with the employees’ favourite places to dine
and drink in.
The onboarding process can be time-consuming but is well worth your while; it will have a big
impact on the new hire’s experience as well as cementing a positive workplace dynamic.
Welcoming new workers is an ever-changing process and as you expand your workforce the
dynamics will have to change.
So, each time you go through the hiring process, take the time to
review your onboarding procedure. Send out a survey for current employees to give their
opinions on their first day at your company and use the statistics to improve the next recruits
welcome.
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