Being a new employee in the office can be quite intimidating. That’s why it is important to make new employee onboarding an enjoyable experience. It helps new employees feel like they belong from day one. Make new employees feel welcome, wanted and appreciated by following our tips. In this article, I will be breaking down some easy ways to make onboarding a more memorable experience.
Give a Warm Welcome
Making a new employee feel welcome upon arrival is step number one. Set up their workspace with a welcome sign, a small gift, or even some snacks for their first day! You can also have team members write welcome notes for increased camaraderie. This shows that the team is excited to have them on board. This initial first impression will stick longer than you may think.
Make Introductions Easy
Especially in large company settings, getting accustomed to your new coworkers can be tough. But for a productive and comfortable workflow, gaining comfortability with coworkers is important so that the new hire doesn’t feel shy in decision-making, asking questions, or even just collaborating on a project. You should help new hires feel comfortable by introducing them to their team right away. Another way to make them feel more comfortable is to plan a small welcome lunch or coffee break, so they can get to know everyone in a relaxed setting. This way, the employee doesn’t feel as alone when they are going throughout their day.
Provide Helpful Tools
Make sure new employees have everything they need. This includes their computer, office supplies, and access to important programs. Employee welcome kits are a great idea for this as well. A box containing gifts like branded apparel, notebooks, pens, or custom flash drives will make them feel appreciated, and also help with productivity. Efforts like this show that you care about your employees, their work, and that their presence is welcomed! For example, adding items like company-branded USB drives preloaded with important documents, company policies, or training videos can be both practical and a nice touch.
Show Them Around
Take the time to show new hires around the office or building. Point out important places, like the break room, bathrooms, and meeting rooms. Make sure to think of even the places that aren’t essential to the workday – such as the trash cans, the coffee bar, or any recreational areas! Being able to easily navigate the workspace is a huge part of feeling comfortable in a new environment.
Set Up One-on-One Meetings
During the first few days, schedule a group meeting with the new hire’s department. This helps new employees learn about their roles and how everyone works together. It’s also a good way for them to start building connections. Consider doing bonding or icebreaker activities during these first initial meetings. Additionally, when a new employee is hired in, you can make it routine to have full company meetings so the employee can get to know every single face, not just those in their department.
Make Training Fun
Training doesn’t have to be boring! Adding things like interactive activities, quizzes, or team exercises can help make the process less monotonous. If there are videos, make them short and engaging. You can also use a branded flash drive or print out training materials so that the employee can revisit them on their own time if they need a refresher. This is likely not their first job, so making sure that your onboarding process is unique and enjoyable will leave a lasting impression about your company.
Give a Little Extra Help
The first few weeks at a new job can be overwhelming. Consider assigning a specified mentor within their division to help new employees get used to the company. This person can answer questions and show them how things work. Having a friendly face to rely on makes a big difference. It’s a good idea for the mentor to also check in regularly to see how things are going. Giving this tool to your new hire will ultimately help them feel more comfortable and less nervous to ask questions they may have along the way. Oftentimes, new hires will not want to bother management with the questions they feel are small or unimportant.
Ask for Feedback
Check in with your new hire after their onboarding process is over. Whether this is a week or a month after their first day, it shows that management cares about making adjustments and improving the experience. Find out what they liked and what could be better. This helps you improve the experience for future employees and shows that you care about their opinion. Use this feedback loop to continue improving your hiring process and onboarding.
Final Thoughts
Making the onboarding process fun and welcoming can help new employees feel at home right away. A warm welcome, helpful tools, and easy introductions can make all the difference. When employees start their new job feeling supported, they’re more likely to be happy and do well in their role. By following our tips and following up with employees post-onboarding, you will have the process down in no time and have happy employees who stick around for a long time.