Did you know that an employee that is properly welcomed into an organization has a significantly higher rate of staying on long-term than an employee who is left to fend for themselves on their first day?
Why?
It’s simple. Imagine your first day at a new job. You arrive to your desk to find it decorated with welcome signs. There is a mentor waiting to show you around. Everyone who greets you has a big smile on their face as they introduce themselves. Your supervisor works with you to develop goals for your new position.
How would you feel? Respected, maybe?
The above scenario is a great starting point for organizations looking to retain good employees. It doesn’t take a lot of money, but it does take some effort to create a work culture that respects employees and what better way to express that then when making a first impression.
Try it today
When a new employee starts in your office, have flowers delivered, take them to lunch, or just try to get to know them and make them feel welcome and respected.
Great post again, on a very important topic. I offered the following advice in a post earlier this year (http://recognizethisblog.com/2011/05/3-tips-for-onboarding-the-right-way/):
If you’re going to go to the trouble and expense of recruiting and hiring, doesn’t it make sense to be sure the new employee actually wants to stay once they start? Three tips to make sure that happens:
1) Be ready and welcoming – Inform reception of the new hire’s name, expected time and who to call. Be sure the on-site manager is ready to welcome the person with a complete workstation (including all necessary computer equipment, working telephone, etc.) and introduce him/her around the office. Have someone lined up to take the new person to lunch.
2) Introduce them to your culture on day 1 – Don’t just hand the new hire the employee handbook, which typically reads as guidebook to what NOT to do. Also introduce the new hire to everything that makes your company a great place to work. If you have a strategic recognition program, show the employee how it works. Make it clear your company is all about working hard and praising hard work.
3) Have meaningful work ready for the first day – Too often the first day on a job is spent dealing with minutiae, forms, etc. Give the employee an introduction to the valuable contributions they will be making to the company. Have a project ready they can begin on day 1 to give them a flavor of the work they will be doing, but also set realistic expectations on delivery and completion based on training needs, etc.
Wow Derek! Thanks for adding to this rich topic. I appreciate how you mentioned the concept of introducing staff to your culture on the first day – including the recognition program!