We recently published ‘New Job? Here’s How To Settle In Fast’, helping new employee’s to bed in to their new work environment. On the flip side there are a few things an employer should consider with there onboarding process to help their new employee make the most of there first few months. It’s advantageous to have a solid onboarding procedure as the first months of a new employee’s career contribute to their career development, everything from culture to training and development.

Whether you’re a big Agency or small Startup, here are some tips on how to help your new employee settle in fast!

Make them feel welcome!

Sounds simple doesn’t it! But you would be surprised how much this is overlooked. New employees should be welcomed, whether freelance or full-time, they should be encouraged to immerse themselves into the company culture and begin learning as soon as possible. Before the new starters arrival their team should be made aware of their impending arrival and when a new starter arrives they should have their own workspace, equipment and perhaps even a welcome card. They should have their formal induction and then be assigned a buddy/mentor to show them around and help with the general day to day stuff.

Set expectations

Feeling overwhelmed on your first day is a common thing, there is a lot to take in and process. So it helps to be transparent with deliverables, if you outline expectations, set measurable goals and let them know which team members can be most helpful to them as they learn the ropes (this could be their buddy/mentor), they will feel at ease in achieving what’s required.

Company culture

Help your new employee to get to know your business and the team they’ll be working with, once they have a clear view of the company/culture they will start to feel more included and valued as a member of the team.

This starts with meeting their team and members of their department, having a tour of the office, pointing out anyone who could help their professional growth. Setting out time for the new starter to speak with people in their team will help them to find out not only who they are and what they do but actually start building relationships. Also, including them on any work socials and any other team outings from the get go.

Regular catch ups

As a new starter settles in and throughout their career, it’s important to have regular catch ups to check their progress and give/gain feedback. Establishing early lines of communication is vital within business as we outlined in our previous blog ‘Valuing and retaining talent’.

Give feedback

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools in employee development. Feedback is basically another word for effective listening, it’s an opportunity to motivate, develop and help your new starter. Feedback should be given with care throughout an employee’s career and especially at the start as they will still be in the process of learning what is required to do the job.

Helping your new employee understand what has been done right and wrong in a positive manor is key to their development. Feedback also gives you the employer the chance to find out about the onboarding process and any improvements that can be made.

The time taken to onboard a new employee varies and shouldn’t be rushed. Provide a positive, supportive environment for your new starter.

Have you got any onboarding tips? Share them with us below in the comments.