First impressions last – even more so for a potential new employee in their first three months in a new role. 

Sometimes it’s the simple things that often get overlooked. Is your onboarding process getting a little stale? It may be riddled with rules, processes and procedures, from showing your new team member how to find the bathroom, to upskilling them in the email system you use. 

However, a personal connection and finding common ground can often be greatly overlooked. It may be you have asked the standard questions in the interview process — “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, “What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?”. 

Developing a strong connection with all team members during these initial stages can set an employee up for success, help them to feel a sense of belonging and purpose at the organisation, increase retention rates and make for a smoother probation period. 

“One of the most important aspects of being a leader is knowing your team members,” said a spokesperson from Business Marketing Engine. 

“When it comes down to it, do you know much more than their names and job titles?”

We have curated a list of questions that might be missing from your current onboarding process that will guide you to learn more about you new team members. 

Take a minute to consider the following questions to get to know more about your new staff (you may even want to do this with your longstanding staff too!). Choose 3-5 questions you can ask over a coffee or ‘get-to-know-you’ session. 

NOTE: We love helping our clients get to know staff better, and we bet you love getting to connect with your staff better too, however, when getting to know someone in the workplace, there are a couple of topics that are off limits — you cannot ask anything that may imply discrimination or harassment, such as asking about marital status, sexual orientation, parental status or plans to become a parent.

Getting to know you better…

• What do you like to do outside of work? 
• How do you unwind after a long day?
• What’s been a memorable holiday or trip you’ve been on?
• What kind of music do you like? Favourite song of all time?
• Are you a sports fan? Who are your favourite teams?
• What show are you currently binge-watching?
• How would your friends describe you?
• What does a perfect day look like to you? 
• Can you speak more than one language? What language would you like to learn?
• What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
• What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?

Personal Interests…

• What are you doing when you’re the happiest?
• What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
• Best book you’ve read or podcast you have listened to?
• Are you an early bird or a night owl?
• Are you a cat or a dog person?
• What do you consider as your hidden talent?
• Would you rather live in the city or in the country?
• What energises you at work?
• What is your biggest pet peeve?
• What one song have you completely memorised?

Favourites…

• Tea or coffee? How do you have your coffee?
• Are you a savoury or sweet tooth?
• Favourite cuisine of all time?
• What is your favourite quote that resonates with you?
• Who is the most influential person in your life?
• What’s your favourite colour?

During your first week catch-up, starting with a big ‘congratulations’ and warm remarks, ask for a quick sit down to casually go through a couple of these questions together. 

You can gauge during the conversation how willing someone may be to share more personal details about who they are, so be sure to keep their comfort in check. 

These questions can also help you in introducing them to your team. Instead of putting up the old-fashioned name, job title and what they will be focusing on for the business, this can be an opportunity to inject some personability into the mix. 

Share some personal traits they might feel comfortable with you sharing — like their pets or their favourite thing to do outside of work.

You can also integrate these questions in appreciation programs, celebrations or events you might have.

Get your own copy of our Getting To Know You questions here to get more in-depth questions on building connections with your new team members: (Access Here)