Preparing New Employees for the Job: How You Can Help

Starting a new job is a big deal for just about anybody – even those who have been in the workforce for years. As an employer, you play a major role in shaping the first few days and weeks of a new employee’s time in your company, and you might either make it or break it. 

Sounds like a lot of pressure, but ensuring that they’re off to a good start is quite simple. A friendly welcome and ongoing support are really all it takes – but let’s have a look at what this might look like in a few practical steps. 

A Warm Welcome

First impressions last, and even though you might think it’s your new employee’s job to try and impress you, the opposite is true as well. If a new staff member doesn’t feel welcomed or taken care of, this can heighten their anxiety and even leave a sour taste in their mouth about their new position.

Make sure that your team is all on board to warmly welcome and support any new staff. On their first day, take the time to introduce them to the team, and even consider planning something like a company lunch or quick and simple coffee break to meet more casually. 

Onboarding and Training

It’s crucial that your new employees feel like they’re being well-prepared to take on their role, and this will impact you as much as it will them! 

Make sure that you have proper training embedded in your onboarding process. New staff should have at least a week of skill development and training where they will learn the ins and outs of your company and their role. It’s also at this stage that you should provide any uniforms, tools, or protective gear that your new employees might need, such as carbon fiber hard hats, gloves, respiration masks, etc., depending on the nature of the work. 

Assigning a Mentor

Obviously, you’re pretty busy as a business owner, manager, or whatever leadership role you have. This means that while you might want to take new employees under your wing and guide them through the first few weeks, you probably won’t have the time. 

A much better idea is to assign a member of your team as a mentor to your new employee. Their mentor will guide them through their first few weeks and be there to answer any questions or uncertainties they might have. In this way, you can rest assured that they’re in capable hands. 

Company Culture and Values

Make sure that new employees are gently introduced to your company’s culture, and that they understand the values of your business. This is what will help guide them in how they show up and perform at work. 

If you’re not sure what your company’s core values are, this is a good time to discover them and write it down. Your values are what will help drive your team and guide them in work-related decisions and behaviours, so they’re an important part of your company. 

RELATED: A List of 285 Values Grouped by Theme

Providing Resources and Support

Ongoing support is crucial for new staff. In fact, it’s important that you support your team in its entirety, not just new employees! 

Make sure that your employees all have access to resources that will help them do their job – be it documents, information, written processes, training, or guides to help them perform at their best. You should also offer open communication and support when they have questions or need help. 

Regular Check-ins and Feedback

Employers should make employees feel appreciated, even if they’re struggling – and your new staff will most likely struggle from time to time. Make sure to offer praise and appreciation for good work, and gently guide them when they’re not getting thigs right straight away.

Scheduling performance check-ins and offering feedback is a great way to do this in a structured and helpful way. You can have a check-in around one month into their employment, and then every few months after that. Let them know how they’re doing, thank them for good work, and offer tips on where they can improve. 

Encourage Continuous Learning 

Finally, remember that growth and development on a personal and personal career level are as important to your employees as your businesses development is to you. 

Encouraging your staff to keep learning is a great way to support them and your business at the same time. If you can, offer educational benefits as part of your employment packages – study leave and even financial aid for completing courses and further education will add value for them and yourself. 

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