How To Make New Employees Feel Welcome in 8 Easy Steps
The hiring process continues when an offer is accepted. In fact, it's really just the beginning. The next step is ensuring that new employees feel welcome, comfortable, and part of the team from day one.
After all, happy employees are productive employees. And a company is only as good as its people. From giving Corporate Gifts Wholesale to investing in their success, we explore why it's important to make new employees feel welcome and how to do it effectively!
Why is it important to make new employees feel welcome?
There are a few key reasons why making new employees feel welcome is so important:
First impressions matter.
When someone starts a new job, they form a lot of first impressions in a short time. And those first impressions can have a lasting impact on how they feel about their job and the company as a whole.
It sets the tone for the rest of their time at the company.
If new employees feel welcome from day one, they're more likely to feel that way throughout their tenure. On the flip side, if they don't feel welcome from the start, it can be a struggle to feel like part of the team, impacting their job satisfaction and performance.
It makes them feel valued.
When employees feel like they're part of the team from the beginning, it sends a strong message that they are valued. This, in turn, can lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation.
It helps with retention.
New employees are more likely to stay with the company if they feel welcomed and like they belong. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 68% of employees who quit their jobs do so because they don't feel appreciated.
It boosts morale.
When new employees feel welcomed, it has a positive ripple effect on the rest of the team. Their good attitude and energy can be contagious, leading to increased morale and job satisfaction for everyone.
How can you make new employees feel welcome: 10 Steps
Here's how to make new employees feel welcome from day one:
1. Have a plan in place.
The best way to ensure that new employees feel welcome is to have a plan in place before their first day. This plan should include how they will be introduced to the team, what training they will receive, and how you will help them get acclimated to the company culture.
The reason why having a plan is so important is because it shows that you're prepared and that you care about making the transition as smooth as possible for them.
2. Make sure they have everything they need on their first day.
When someone starts a new job, they usually have many questions, and they're not always sure where to turn for answers. This can be especially true on their first day when they're still getting oriented.
That's why it's important to ensure they have everything they need to hit the ground running is important. This includes a list of contacts, a copy of the employee handbook, their login information for company systems, and anything else they might need to get started.
Most importantly, make sure someone is available to answer their questions and help them settle in.
3. Give them a thoughtful welcome gift.
Not every company does this, but giving new employees a welcome gift is a great way to make them feel appreciated. It doesn't have to be anything big or expensive – even a simple mug with the company logo or a gift card to their favorite coffee shop can do the trick.
Apex Gifts and Prints have tons of employee gifts you can choose from, and they're all budget-friendly.
4. Make it a team effort.
Making new employees feel welcome should be a team effort. Everyone from their direct supervisor to their co-workers should be involved in making sure they feel comfortable and like they belong.
Introduce them to everyone they'll be working with, and make sure to include them in team meetings, social events, and other activities. The more involved they are, the quicker they'll feel like part of the team.
Another way to do this is to have an “employee of the week” program where a different team member is responsible for helping the new employee each week. This not only helps the new employee feel more comfortable, but it also helps everyone else on the team get to know them better.
5. Give them a tour of the office or building.
On the first day or even the first week, take some time to give the new employee a tour of the office or building.
This will help them get familiar with their surroundings and feel more comfortable in their new environment. After all, new hires are more likely to feel like they belong if they know their way around.
If you have multiple locations, consider taking them on a tour of each one so they can get to know the lay of the land.
6. Celebrate their birthday and work anniversary.
Celebrating your employees' birthdays and work anniversaries is a great way to show them that you value their contributions to the team. It's also a nice way to make them feel like they're part of something larger than themselves.
On their birthday, you can do something as simple as bringing in a cake or giving them the day off. And on their work anniversary, you can give them a small bonus or gift to show your appreciation.
7. Encourage open communication.
Many employees, especially new ones, are hesitant to speak up or ask questions for fear of looking like they don't know what they're doing. In fact, new hires are often afraid to ask questions at all for fear of seeming incompetent.
Encourage open communication by creating an environment where employees can speak up without being judged. Let them know that it's okay not to know everything and that you're there to help.
If you have an open-door policy, make sure it's enforced. Let employees know they can come to you with any questions or concerns, no matter how big or small.
8. Show new hires you're invested in their success.
Nothing makes an employee feel more valued than knowing their employer is invested in their success. There are a few different ways you can do this:
- Set up regular check-ins, especially during the first few weeks or months, to see how they're settling in and how they feel about their new role.
- Assign them a mentor who can help them navigate the ins and outs of the company and their new position.
- Make sure they have the resources they need to be successful in their role. This includes training materials, a list of contacts, and access to necessary software or equipment.
By showing new hires that you're invested in their success, you're sending the message that you value them as employees and want them to stick around for the long haul.
Conclusion
Making new employees feel welcome is important for a variety of reasons. It helps with retention, boosts morale, and makes the company more enjoyable to work for. Plus, it's just the right thing to do.
Following these tips will show your new hires that you value them as team members and that you're committed to their success. And that's a recipe for a happy, productive workforce.