As adults in the workplace, we've got our computers, phones and actual work to hide behind. But many of us still feel insecure and awkward, especially when starting a new job.
The first few weeks at a new job are when we feel most vulnerable – and significantly more likely to leave. It's no wonder that one in three workers would rather go on an awkward first date than attend orientation or onboarding for a new job. But this doesn't have to be the case. There are countless ways you can make new hires feel welcomed and appreciated, whether it's on an individual, team or company basis.
Make sure there is an open line of communication between managers and employees (and vice versa). This will help ensure that any problems or concerns are brought up front instead of being left hanging in the air where they can fester until they explode into something larger than they were originally intended to be.
Be open about what you expect from your employees and be clear with expectations from yourself as well! If there's something you want them to do but don't know how they'll do it yet, ask them! Don't assume—you never know until you try!
Here are some tips for making sure your employees feel valued:
1. When hiring try to hire a cohort so they can lean on each other for support
When you have employees who are new to your organization and who are going through an intense period of change and challenge, this can be especially helpful. By giving your employees opportunities to build or strengthen relationships with each other, you'll create a place where they can share ideas and support each other as they navigate this new phase in their lives.
2. The Buddy System
The first few weeks of your new job can be a stressful time. You're trying to do everything right, but you don't know the unwritten rules and norms of your organization. It's hard to know what's expected of you, and sometimes it feels like there's too much on your plate for one person.
The best way to get through this is by building a "buddy system." This is where a more experienced employee pairs up with a new hire for a few weeks at first, so that they can help guide them through their first few weeks as an employee. The buddy system helps new hires feel comfortable asking questions about company culture, from the protocol for taking coffee breaks to the proper way to book meetings.
We also recommend setting up a schedule for the first few weeks so the buddy is committed to taking the new hire out for lunch, showing them around the office and making sure they've met everyone.
3. Getting all levels involved
When it comes to your onboarding program, you want people throughout your organization to speak with passion about the ideas and philosophy behind it. That's why it's important to have leaders from different departments. By bringing these groups together, they can share what they've been working on and extend an invitation to new hires. And when leaders throughout the company take time out of their schedules to meet with new hires and answer their questions, that reinforces the idea that you truly care about all employees.
You can take this a step further by having your CEO or other executives meet with new hires either individually or in small groups.
4. Integrating all new hires and current employees
One of the best ways to foster workplace friendships is through your onboarding program. Not only will it encourage cross-team communication and collaboration, but it can also help new hires get acquainted with the company's culture. One way to do this is by setting up some meetings with people from other teams and departments. By inviting them to participate in these meetings, you'll help those individuals get to know each other better and learn how their work fits into the bigger picture.
Another way to foster workplace friendships is by giving gifts! Some companies even provide gift cards so that their new hires can treat someone else out for a coffee or tea break. This can be a great way for everyone involved—especially since it shows that you care about creating a positive work environment that encourages collaboration between departments and teams throughout the organization.