You’ve just employed a new staff member after what felt like an eternity of reading resumes and conducting interviews. You’ve completed your checks and the recruit starting next week fits the bill.
So, what’s next? Have you prepared you and your team for the new staff member?
If you googled the stats on new staff leaving in the first six months, it quite staggering as to the number that leave in the first six months. Anywhere from 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 leave because of bad experiences in these first critical months.
What are the key things you should do to ensure that the onboarding experience reinforces the new staff members choice rather than make them wonder – did I make the right decision:
- Welcoming - Make them feel welcome and part of the team from day one. The sooner they feel that way, it will assist with confirmation of their decision.
- Employment Contract – do you provide an employment contract which sets out their terms and conditions?
- Job Description – during the interview process did you discuss the role and what they were responsible for? Seeing it in writing improves the understanding of the new employee as well as gives you a reference point to guide and educate.
- Induction Plan - Do you have the first month planned for the new employee? Not just a high-level idea, but a real plan with who they will meet, who they will be going out with. What to bring a long, what to expect from each training session. A plan needs to be detailed enough that a new staff member feels welcomed and knows what to expect. Remember, they are entering a new environment, with new people to get to know, processes they need to learn.
- Preparation - Has the staff members providing the training been advised, given the brief on what they are training and given the time to prepare?
- Follow up - Ensuring you catch up with them on a regular basis ‘if you’re not the one that they will be involved with daily. Ensure you review their progress against their set of expectations as well as yours. Deal with concerns both theirs and yours. Don’t forget to congratulate them if they are doing well.
- Flexibility - Don’t forget to ensure the plan is flexible and that the new starter understands from the beginning. As you know each day can throw out what was planned the day before, let alone a week or two later.
Treat and induct your new member of staff well and they will pay you back ten-fold when they look after your business.
Need any assistance with on-boarding, don’t hesitate to contact Optima BIS.
First published on LinkedIn (opens in a new window)
