Today we’ll explore how you can make new hires feel really special.
You know…
Connected. Valued. Excited to be part of the team.
Because nothing kills passion for a new role like ‘death by powerpoint’, hours of unnecessary computer setup or endless LMS modules.
If you’d like to create positive relationships with new staff right off the bat… the kind that breed loyalty and commitment…
You’ve got to give them a welcoming that gets them emotionally invested with the role, the team and the company.
Here are 7 wonderfully unique ways to do it:
1. Make them smile (before they start)
It’s a few days before their first day. Facing the unknown; new company, new people, new role, it’s understandable they may be a little nervous. Now’s the perfect time to send them a welcome kit.
Here are some things you can include:
2. Friday first day
Why start new hires on a Monday when all the socialising happens on Friday? Have them come in at 11am on a Friday (so you have plenty of time to get organised), then setup a social event for Friday evening so they can get to know the team in a more casual setting.
3. The ‘true, true, lie’ welcome email
Now let’s re-invent the lame welcome email. Instead of sending a dry intro email to your team, ask your hire for three interesting facts about themselves (two true and one made up).
When you introduce the new hire to your team, include these 3 facts, and offer a gift certificate to the first person that learns the lie!
4. Team-led office tour
Get the whole team involved to take your newbie around the office. Where do they find the sugar? How does that printer work? Who they need to meet to…? The wisdom of the collective is greater than one (more fun too!)
5. Call from the founder
The first week is the perfect time for the CEO or founder to make a personal call to the new starter. A touch of appreciation and encouragement from the big boss can be a bright spark of motivation for new employees.
If you’re the founder of a smaller company, consider making this a lunch instead!
6. Lunch lotto
Once a month for the first 6 months, organise lunch for your new starter with a random employee. This helps build relationships across the organisation, allows starters to learn what other people and departments do, and creates social bonds that strengthen company loyalty.
7. Let them shadow Customer Service and Sales
Get new hires in the room with the Sales and Customer Service teams as soon as you can. Let them learn the true heartbeat of your business: your customers.
It’s important for all employees (no matter the role), to learn the voice of your customers and how your business serves them. Customer Service and Sales are on the front lines.
Hopefully these ideas will inspire you to WOW new hires with something different and delightful!
Your culture, values and mission statement are all unique, so customise how you welcome staff to a way that works for your business.
Remember your goal: get new staff feeling like family a soon as possible.
If you have questions on this topic or any others, feel free to reach me by email or set up a free one-on-one consultation session, or drop me a comment below.
Thanks for sharing!
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