Hiring a new employee can be tricky, since you want to walk a fine line between being firm about how your company ought to operate, and accommodating of the adjustment period. Of those who quit a company within six months of starting, a large fraction of them quit within the first week – this means that first impressions really do count, and the onus is on whomever is onboarding to ensure that the new hire is made to feel welcome and adequately briefed.
Of course, part of the reason some people quit initially is because either the job didn’t meet their expectations, or their lives changed in some way, both of which are beyond your control. You can, however, control the onboarding process – here’s a pared down, 4-step process you can use to maximize success.
Making Introductions
The first and arguably most important (to them, at least) part of the onboarding process is integrating within the team. Take the time on their first day to introduce them around, making sure they get a little face time with everyone to make a proper introduction. If possible, you should even host a networking event – this could be as elaborate as an after-work function, or as simple as a company-paid, ordered-in lunch.
Familiarizing with Company-Specific Tools And Processes
Listen, you may think that the way you do things is universal, but it’s not. Not by a long shot. Companies vary in both general and minute ways, and familiarizing a new hire with your company-specific processes can be as much a benefit to you as it is to them. It increases efficiency right off the bat, and ensures that you won’t be having this same conversation in three months, when the new hire has made a mistake.
Briefing On Security
Security is very important to a company, and it’s a responsibility that, in part, falls on every single employee. To that end, taking some time the first day (or week) to provide information on business security products you use, and print them an ID badge, could save your company money and trouble. Also – it may seem small – but make sure that the new hire is happy with their ID card photo. Nothing is worse than having to carry around an ugly facsimile of yourself!
Checking In
Once a new hire has been properly introduced into the office and given the opportunity to integrate within the community and culture; once they’ve been thoroughly briefed on company protocol and how to use specific tools and/or software; once they are comfortable with security procedures… check in! That’s right, your work isn’t done yet. A large part of a successful onboarding process is making sure that the new hire is having a positive experience. And while they might be shy to ask questions initially, for fear of offending, as time goes on they will become more forthright with their queries.
You’ve gone through the whole process of hiring the right person. Now make sure that you keep them, and make sure that they are primed to do the best job possible. Follow these four easy steps for a smooth onboarding process.