The Importance Of Businesses Welcoming New Employees

As an employer, it is imperative that you provide support for new employees in order to help them feel part of the professional team as quickly as possible and for them to feel secure in adapting to their new role. This will contribute to employees working to the best of their ability and providing maximum output and productivity in an environment that they feel included in.

It is perhaps more of a challenge when you are hiring remote employees as until they ‘find their feet’ they may be particularly vulnerable in respect of isolation and not knowing who to present their questions or concerns to. Additionally they may feel as though they are unable to keep ‘bothering staff’ which causes extra anxiety within their new role.

When you go to the lengths of hiring new employees, your hope is for them to stay. It can be a costly process for advertising, shortlisting, interviewing and ultimately recruiting new staff. Therefore it makes sense that when an employee is offered a role, that the retention of the employee is considered. Continually replacing staff can be very difficult, not to mention the costs involved.

New employees need to feel fully prepared to start their new role and that they have a solid support system in place which is designed to help them, especially in the first few months. This inevitably increases work performance and productivity.

Once the employee has accepted their new role and is awaiting their starting date, take time to congratulate them on their achievement and explain exactly what they should expect to happen on their first day especially. Communicate clearly and in a structured way, outlining any specific information that they should have prior to their starting date.

On the employee’s first day at work, ensure that they are introduced and greeted by all staff in their immediate working environment. This is a really important step in the transition of their new role and becoming a team member. Of course, it does take time for anyone to settle into a new environment but if it is done informally and in a welcoming and genuine way, then it immediately eases worries and anxieties about feeling accepted.

Ensure that staff include the new employee in coffee and lunch breaks, accompanying them and showing them where items are kept which may be needed. Additionally, make sure that they have access to all the technology, passwords, contact numbers and any other equipment that they will need throughout the day. It is a great idea to assign a mentor for the first week who can integrate the new employee into their new role by offering guidance and advice. Meaningful workplace connections are imperative for staff wellbeing and retention.

At the end of the first week, it is good to meet with the employees for an informal yet detailed  discussion into how they feel they have settled into their new role, any difficulties they are facing and what may be improved upon. Objectives and goals can be identified during this time as well as the introduction of any possible training or further learning opportunities. This way, the definition of success, both as an individual and as part of the company, can be clarified.

The early days in a new role can be quite overwhelming as employees attempt to absorb much new information in a new environment with colleagues they have never met before.

Welcoming new employees in their first week is crucial for creating a positive, inclusive and productive work environment as these initial few days set the tone for their entire experience of being a part of the company. A warm welcome helps alleviate any feelings of uncertainty and nervousness, allowing new employees to blend into rapidly becoming a valued member of the team. Feeling welcome boosts morale and enhances job satisfaction while very much increasing the likelihood of long term commitment to the organisation.This positive experience contributes to quickly adapting to the company’s culture and establishes strong interpersonal foundations between colleagues which benefits all involved.