When a new employee joins your team, it’s important to make them feel welcome and help them integrate into the company culture as quickly as possible.
If you take the time to welcome them and make them feel appreciated, they will be more likely to be productive and happy in their role. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and ideas for making new hires feel welcome in your business!
Assign a mentor or buddy
One way to make new hires feel welcome is to have a team member assigned to them as a mentor. This team member can help the new hire with any questions or concerns they may have about the company or their role.
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The mentor can also help the new hire to get to know the other team members and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
The characteristics of a good mentor are someone who is:
- Patient
- Willing to listen
- A good communicator
- Knowledgeable about the company and their role in it
- Friendly and approachable
Welcome messages
Another great way of making new hires feel welcome is by sending them welcome messages. This can be done via email, Slack, or even a physical card. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in how someone feels about their new job.
Ask (appropriate) questions about their friends, family or hobbies
When you meet someone new, one of the best ways to get to know them is by asking questions about their friends, family and hobbies. This helps to break the ice and make them feel more comfortable around you. It also shows that you are interested in getting to know them as a person, not just an employee.
Examples of questions to ask the employee include:
- How did you hear about the job opening?
- What made you decide to apply for the position?
- What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
- Do you have any family or pets?
Make sure to avoid personal questions that may make the person feel uncomfortable. For example, avoid questions about their salary, religion, or political views.
Provide a company handbook
It’s also a good idea to provide the new hire with a company handbook or other materials that will help them learn about the company culture and expectations. This will help them to understand the company’s values and how they fit into the overall picture.
A company handbook should include:
- The company’s history
- The company’s mission statement
- The company’s values
- An overview of the company’s products or services
- A directory of employees and their contact information
- A calendar of events
Give a tour of the office
Another way to make new hires feel welcome is to give them a tour of the office. This will help them to get acquainted with their surroundings and feel more comfortable in the space. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce them to other team members and show them where they will be working.
Don’t forget to show the employee these parts of the office:
- The kitchen or break area
- The conference room
- The toilets
- Their desk or workspace
Schedule an induction day
If you have the resources, it can be helpful to schedule an induction day for new hires. This is a day where they can learn more about the company and their role in it. It’s also a chance for them to ask any questions they may have.
Induction days can be beneficial for both the company and the new hire. They help the new hire to understand their role and how they fit into the company. They also help to build relationships between the new hire and their co-workers.
Plan a team lunch or activity
Another great way to welcome new employees is to plan a team lunch or activity. This will give everyone a chance to get to know each other outside of work and have some fun! You can also use this time to discuss company values and goals, so that the new hire feels included in the team’s vision.
Top 5 ideas for a work team lunch:
- Go to a local restaurant that everyone can agree on
- Have a picnic in the park
- Visit a nearby attraction (museum, aquarium, etc.)
- Play games at an arcade or laser tag
- Get ice cream or coffee together
Make sure they have everything they need
You will want to make sure that the new hire has everything they need to be successful in their role. This includes a workstation set up with all the necessary equipment, access to company resources, and any training materials they might need. By taking care of these details, you can help the new hire feel prepared and confident in their new role.
A list of items to provide include:
- A workstation set up with all the necessary equipment
- Access to company resources
- Any training materials they might need
Include the new hire in team meetings
Last but not least, make sure to include the new hire in team meetings, so they can get to know their co-workers and feel like part of the team. Types of suitable meetings include:
- Team lunches
- Weekly team meetings
- One-on-one check-ins
Set goals and targets
Once the new hire has settled into their role, it’s important to set goals and targets. This will help them to focus on their work and feel like they are contributing to the team’s success. It’s also a good way to measure their progress and give them feedback.
Examples of goals and targets are:
- Complete X number of tasks in a week
- Increase sales by X percent
- Improve customer satisfaction ratings by X percent
Final thoughts
Following these tips will help you to create a warm and welcoming environment for new employees. By taking the time to make them feel comfortable and included, you can help them to quickly integrate into the business and be productive members of the team.