Set for Success
Hiring and training a new employee is a big under taking – one that is both an added financial expense and an added time expense for yourself and whoever is doing the training. Cut down on the expense by minimizing the number of times you have to repeat the process. Without establishing your office as a positive environment with strong processes, you set any potential employees up to fail. Follow these quick and easy tips to success:
- Have an Established Training Program and Processes
This is your number one priority. Before you even consider bringing someone on, you need to establish standard procedures and a training program. This should not be an abstract thought in your head, but rather setting pen to paper and creating a written, well-thought-out process then documenting it on the company server. Determine who will be training your new employee, how they will be training them, what they will be training them on and when. Figure out a way to ensure that the trainer has enough time to fully focus on the trainee rather than being pulled in different directions and hurting the training as a result. Without structured training and processes, you are setting your employees up for failure. If it makes sense within your office, make this individual your new trainee’s “buddy” and encourage them to be the first point of contact for questions. This will keep training and subsequent follow-up cohesive and consistent.
- Make Them Feel Welcome with the Team
Before the employee even walks through the door, make the whole team aware of the new addition, including their role, job description, expectations for the team and where they’ll be sitting. Another fun exercise is to send out an information sheet prior to their first day with a list of likes, hobbies and pastimes. If you see that they like Sonic slushies, consider bringing Sonic in for the team on their first day. It’s a great way to set the day up on a positive note. Once they *do* walk through the door, take the time to walk the employee through the office and introduce them to each team member so they are able to not only make their acquaintance, but also see where they sit. Which leads us to the next item.
- Prepare Their Space
Make sure you have all the basics set up in their space – and that they have a workspace compatible with productivity. Basics include a phone, dual screens and monitor or laptop, comfortable chair, mouse, keyboard, pens, paper, stapler, tape and anything else they might need for their position. Ensure that the workspace is clean and clear of clutter – and not something out of Office Space where your employee is shoved in the basement or broom closet. Encourage them to bring in work appropriate photos or small knick-knacks to make it feel like a familiar and comfortable spot.
- Consider a Welcome Gift
If you used AES for hiring, you’re probably already a step ahead here as we send out a welcome gift to all our hires that includes a customized tumbler. However, if you hired independently, this might be a nice touch to further welcome you new team member. Of course, keep it appropriate. This might also be a branding opportunity for you – have a dozen or two dozen tumblers (or similar item) printed with your company logo and have them on hand for new hires or any other marketing opportunity that comes up.
- Create a Staff Directory
This doesn’t have to be all that formal – just ensure that you have the name and extension of each team member, as well as where they sit. You can do this with a diagram of the office and their name/extension at their desk or get creative for whatever makes the most sense for your office. Post it on the wall or desk of the employee’s area or cube.
- Plan a Day-of Activity, Check-in and Convey Your Enthusiasm
Consider hosting a team lunch this day to further encourage a team environment. Cultures world-wide have used meals to come together for centuries, let’s not try to recreate the wheel. Grab some lunch as a team and get to know one another better.
Continue to check-in even after this first day and always communicate your enthusiasm for having added this great candidate to the team. Best of luck!