5 Tips for Making A New Employee’s First Week a Success

new employee setting up her desk

The onboarding process is important for both you and your staff. It helps make sure your new team members are set up for success, feel like part of the team, and begin to understand their role in your small business. If you don’t take the time to introduce and integrate new hires properly, you run the risk of losing them quickly. Check out these five tips for making sure your new hire’s first week of onboarding is positive. 

1. Make a great impression on their first day 

Your new worker’s first day of work can set the tone for how they perceive your company and their role. If they have a great first day, they’ll be excited to come back and may become one of your greatest assets. How can you make a great first impression? 

  • Try to meet your new hire when they arrive on their first day. This is a simple way of saying, “You are a priority here.” When your new team member feels valued, they’ll be more comfortable in the long run and more secure in their position overall. 
  • Give them a tour to help them learn their way around the place. Not only will this prevent your new team member from having to awkwardly ask where the restroom and breakroom are later in the day, but it also gives you a chance to introduce them to their new coworkers naturally. 
  • Introduce them to their coworkers. Meeting everyone at once can feel overwhelming, so try to arrange for your new team member to have lunch or grab coffee with some of their new coworkers. This gives them the chance to get to know everyone and begin to understand what their working relationship will entail. They can also ask questions that they don’t necessarily want to ask you – everything from how to update their contact info in your HR system to whether everyone goes to happy hour together occasionally. 
  • Discuss their job description and expectations. This can help ensure you’re both on the same page and that your new worker understands what success will look like in the position. They’ll feel more confident in their role, knowing that it’s vital to the success of their business. 

2. Use an onboarding checklist 

At the beginning of the week, give your new team member a list of key tasks you want them to accomplish during their first week. Include all the essentials, from signing into their email account to learning how to use the scanner. A checklist will give your new employee a clear idea of what is expected of them that first week and can provide an early sense of accomplishment as they complete each task.  

3. Correct mistakes immediately 

Your new hire may be used to doing things differently in their last job, so there will be an adjustment period as they learn your processes. If you see them doing things in a way that you don’t approve, be sure to intervene immediately. On the other hand, different perspectives can lead to increased efficiency and innovations in your business. Consider what your new employee can bring to the table and, if possible, utilize their prior experience to make improvements in your operation.   

Read also: 4 Reasons You Need a Diverse Workforce 

4. Share your culture 

Your work environment shapes your employees’ daily lives at work, so make sure your new team member has a clear understanding of your company culture and mission statement. Take some time during their first week to share your company’s history and what makes you stand out from your competitors. 

Read also: 6 Things to Consider When Building Your Company Culture 

5. Check in at the end of the week 

Your new employee will have a lot to take in during their first few days on the job, so schedule a short meeting at the end of the week to check in. Find out what their initial impressions of the business are, if they desire additional training in some areas, or if they have other questions about their role and responsibilities.  

Onboarding your new hire so they truly feel like part of the team is an ongoing process that extends past their first week. Learn more about how to create a successful onboarding process. 

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