The Importance of Onboarding
Remember that feeling you had when you were first hired or joined your last job? You may have started the in person or virtual onboarding feeling nervous, out of the loop, and questioning whether you will fit in well with the team. We have all been there before and had to endure the first few days or weeks feeling this way. I have had the honor of welcoming in hundreds of people during my career and have developed the following steps to helping a new employee get past the nervousness and feel welcomed from the first “Hello”.
It all starts with the interview
Interviews are crucial to helping potential employees understand the company culture and fit. I’ve seen so many great candidates lose interest because of a multi hour interview with a panel of people. Split the interview process up into culture, skillset and if needed final leadership interview.
Swag Bags
Swag bags are one of my favorite ways to bring in a new team member and help them feel connected. Include as much swag as possible, just shower them with the goods! It’s a great way to make someone feel welcomed and invested in and it also spreads your brand.
Handwritten Note
Adding a personalized hand written note to share how much the company or you appreciate their decision to join the team. It is a quick and easy gesture, and it helps show the new employees the value they bring to the company and establish a connection to their management.
Random touch points
It is easy to forget how stressful and overwhelming starting a new job can be, and taking small moments to randomly check in with your new employee will create a lasting professional relationship. Imagine juggling the new company vibe, the new workload and new co-workers and then having someone in the leadership team reach out to you to see how things are going. Even the briefest of exchanges will let them know they are worth your the time to connect
Establishing a connection early and often is key to teaching company culture and values. Connect with me at at brendan@guidelineconsultants.com for more tips and tricks on how to properly onboard your new employees!
