As a woman-owned family business, we’ve got over three decades of experience bringing in new recruits and helping them feel at home. If you’re managing a large team, you may be wondering how you can give your corporate culture a small-town touch. Job Store Staffing® is here to provide its top seven tips on how you can welcome new workers.
1. Official Welcome Wagon
An employee will feel welcome if you’re willing to show them you care. A little welcome basket for new workers can really make a difference and help recruits feel included. A gift card to the nearest coffee place and a few “swag” items show your newest staff members you want them on your team, and you’re grateful for them.
2. Extracurricular Chats
Bonding with new staff members shouldn’t just happen around the water cooler. Employees will feel more comfortable if they can socialize outside of the office. Plan a happy hour or staff retreat to give new workers the chance to make introductions and get to know their peers.
3. The Buddy System
Many companies offer an “onboarding buddy,” a seasoned worker can show someone the ropes. Contact your long-standing employees and ask if they’d be willing to show around a new recruit. This can be a great way to smoothly delegate the onboarding process, while helping a multigenerational workforce learn how to work together.
4. Flexible Scheduling
Our favorite way to provide a positive onboarding experience is to start with a more flexible schedule. Offer a fluid start time to give your new recruit some extra time in the morning. If you need stricter entry times, ask your worker what schedule they’d prefer to work. Many businesses offer a hybridized at-home/in-office role, or four ten-hour days.
5. Help Them Meet the Team
Too many managers lead their new staff member to their space and walk away. You can stand out as a leader by taking the extra time and effort to introduce new staff to as many colleagues as possible. Provide introductions to the individuals they’ll need to know – the HR department, their direct colleagues, and any available supervisors.
6. Talk About Benefits
Before your new recruit gets started on day-to-day tasks, make sure they are fully briefed on the advantages they’ll receive when working with your organization. Have your team put together a brochure that highlights the best aspects of working at your company, with testimonials and quick descriptions. A short, dynamic reminder of benefits will help a recruit feel confident they made the right choice by saying yes to the job.
7. Regular One-on-Ones
Onboarding is ongoing. We know you’re not making a critical leadership mistake by plopping your new worker in a cubicle with a pat on the back. New workers may not have immediate questions, but they’ll need information as they go. Set up a weekly standing meeting to help them get acclimated and offer an opportunity for questions in a casual setting.
Looking for more leadership tips?
For more advice on how to lead an effective and productive team, contact Job Store Staffing®. We know what it takes to stand out in the field and perfect your approach.