What should a new employee's first day at work look like?

Onboarding, namely the welcoming of a new employee at a company, their training and acquainting them with the job and internal processes of the whole company, is a key part in the job cycle of the given employee. If done properly, onboarding can help start a great relationship between an employer and an efficient worker. But if done incorrectly, the company could lose a quality employee or demotivate the new person to give of their best in the job. Today we will look at what the first day at work should ideally look like for a new employee.

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Not neglecting the practical things

According to Hr Morning, no matter how great and original your attitude, it will not spare you the need to follow all legal requirements. Also, before arriving on the first day, the employee should have been given all important practical information regarding such things as location, parking, entrance, etc., so that from the very start they can focus on important things without stressing out over details of a practical nature.

Reassuring the employee about their decision

The employee should, at the very beginning of the work relationship, be reassured that they made a good choice and will like their new workplace. Do not underestimate the first impression. If on the very first day the people with whom the employee should meet are not there, or there are other complications at the workplace, it might cause the employee to start feeling uneasy.

Introducing the worker to the people they will be working with

The employee should of course meet the people they will be in contact with. But there is no need to go around the whole company, introducing them to everyone from cleaning lady to CEO: the employee will not remember the names anyway and for many people this might actually be a very stressful experience.

Acquainting the employee with events

In order to look forward to work, the employee should know what will be happening. Prepare them a calendar for the first few weeks where it clearly states what will be happening on a given day. Training in the style of "just come and we'll see what we come up with” is inefficient and rather demotivating. The employee should always know from the outset what will be happening and what is expected of them.

Focusing on positive things

The feelings that a new employee initially has often linger a long time. Therefore, all those involved in the onboarding process should focus on making the procedure as positive and as comfortable as possible for the worker concerned.

 

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Article source HR Morning - American portal for HR managers
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