Your new employee has accepted the job and it is now their first day. They are bound to be nervous and the longer this lasts, the more their productivity and motivation for their job will be affected. So what can you do to minimise this, and help them to settle as part of the team more quickly?
Create understanding
Spend time showing them the whole picture. Knowing how they fit into the organisation and how their contribution makes a difference will help them to feel valued and inspired to pitch in. Teach them about your company vision and values. Understanding the purpose of their role, knowing the progression route that is achievable for them will help them to settle and see a future for themselves.
Keep up the energy
If you present a picture of energy and enthusiasm for your job, the company and your team, this will be contagious. If you see your new recruit in difficulty or looking hesitant, ensure they know who can offer assistance. Resolve any issues they have quickly and keep the momentum going.
An open-door policy
You know that the reality of the job is often not quite that given in the interview picture, your new recruit will be aware of this too, so why not be open and honest, remove the surprises and chances for uncertainty to creep in.
A team that feels their boss is open, approachable and honest will pull together through good and bad. If a new recruit sees this, they will feel less intimidated and grow in confidence, which will help their performance.
Individual attention
This is especially important for new recruits. No matter the size of your team or how quickly the new recruit settles into their role; it’s essential to keep conversations about development going.
Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your team. You may have a little gem in your new recruit that takes them far beyond the role you employed them for.
Encouraging them, allowing them to learn a little about you, and you about them, not just work personas, will allow for a free flow of feedback and encouragement.
Inviting workspace
Your workspacee has to accommodate many different pieces of equipment, but placement and lighting can help to make the area more inviting, and the more comfortable, inviting and friendly your set up is, the more you productivity is likely to improve.
You are more likely to recruit and retain employees if they love their environment. If your new recruit sees others happy at work, then they will be more likely to relax and follow.
Create social events both in and out of the work place, hold regular team building meetings, and show your new recruit their opinion is as valued as that of a long-standing employee. After all fresh eyes can often see what older ones miss. You may learn something worthwhile too.
Track progress and reward
Do not be afraid to monitor progress and reward your new recruit, recognise small achievements, whether by a comment or more formal reward. You will help keep your new recruit engaged and motivated when they see you notice.
It will also help you step in early should their need to be changes, before it becomes a bigger issue that requires more drastic actions.
