New Hire – How to Help Then Succeed

So you’ve advertised the job, you’ve interviewed the applicants and now you have hired your newest employee, now what?  You want this employee to succeed. You want them to feel comfortable and learn the job as soon as possible. So what do YOU need to do next to help your new hire be a success?Do you have a buddy system implemented in your company?  This is a co-worker who can act as a mentor to your new hire.  Someone who can help them as they learn the job.  Not train them, but help them…answer their questions and make them feel like they aren’t alone in the job.  If you don’t have a mentor program in your company, you really should look into starting one.  When a new employee starts they are nervous and not sure of what to do next, but if they have a buddy, they don’t feel so alone.

Make sure your new hire’s first day is calm.  Have their new hire paperwork ready for them and go over it with them.  Make sure they know what you expect and give them all the paperwork that lets them know what you expect of them also.  A welcome package should be included in this paperwork.  Some things that should be included are:  a welcome to the company letter/card signed by all top level management.  (If you have a small company have it signed by all staff also), A list of all areas of training they will get, this can be something that is signed off and dated as they go, so you know they are ready to move on to the next training., the company handbook, job description, etc should also be included.  Put anything that you think is important to their success.

Make sure you get feedback, and don’t wait to do this months after they have started.  Find out at the end of their first day if they have any questions, give them feedback on what you observed, etc.  Do this for their first week and for their first month.  This lets them know where they stand and it will let you know what they are feeling and if they have any concerns.

Also, for the old 90-day probation period, try to come up with a different name for this.  You don’t want them to think they are starting a jail term do you?  Call it an introductory phase or something like that.

Starting your new hires off on the right foot will save you time and money and you will be  creating the best team you can to help you run your business.