Articles

Keep Your Best People

It's your employees first day of work. Besides having the newcomer fill out the necessary government tax papers, and insurance forms, what do you do to welcome them to your place of work? At the end of the day, how would your newest employee feel about the first day of work?

In today's tight labor pool with employers are clamoring for good employees, paying attention to the small details is critical. Part of the mix is welcoming them to their new jobs.

Check list for the first day

Who is responsible?
An important first step is deciding who will be responsible for sharing company information, assisting in filling out paperwork and explaining health benefits, vacation and sick day policies, company mission, and other important details. Natalie Comer from the Logan County Education Service Center, was the person responsible for helping Krista Adelsburger work through the maze of forms. Comer explained where to find the forms for each task, and then took the time to sit down with Krista and fill out an example form for future reference.

Keep in mind the person who is charge does not have to be the person to handle all the welcoming tasks. Different aspects can be delegated based on availability, experience, and a welcoming personality. Asking different employees to help with the orientation process can also build a stronger team, which in turn can help you keep your best people.

Company Attire Ready or Explained?
If uniform or name tags are worn having these items ready for people on their first day is a great way to say "You are important to our business." Explaining the company dress code before the employee's first day can help to prevent misunderstandings and embarrassment.

Is the Company Manual Prepared?
If your business has a company employee manual, determine whether all the sections are current and complete. One employee commented, "It would be so helpful if the forms we need to submit for our jobs-to request vacations or be reimbursed for mileage, for instance-would have been place in one easy to use notebook." Make sure the employee knows whether the manual is to be left at work or can be taken home.

Is the Employee's Work Area Ready?
Some employers inadvertently overlook employee work space when someone begins a new job. Weather the work space is an office, a cubicle or desk area or a locker to put personal belongings in, an employee can feel unwelcome if the space is not ready. Comments like "We will get your desk in here soon-just work on the table for now" can foster feelings of frustration.

At the Logan County Education Service Center, new Staff Development Director, Heather Nee found her desk ready and waiting for her. Prior to her arrival the office had contacted her and asked about her preference in organizational systems. Her new system was purchased and placed on her desk in anticipation of her arrival.

Who Explains the Job Details?
At the American Pan Company in Urbana, Carol Knox throughly organized and typed up a complete set of instructions for Louise Norris, new executive assistant to the president. Knox realized Norris was in a separate building away from other support staff so she would not be able to ask questions easily. Knox's attention to all aspects of office procedure impressed Norris, and made her feel welcome, and at ease in handling her new responsibilities. When the president asked her for assistance, she could quickly respond using her detailed instructions.

During the first week on the job, the different department heads would stop by Norris's desk and ask how things were going, and whether they could answer any questions, or get Norris anything. "All the support made me feel like part of the team," she commented.

Work Culture

Every work environment has its own unique work culture. Workers may chose to buy pizza every Friday, have birthday potlucks monthly, cheer for a certain team, or chip in for the boss's birthday gift. While it may be impossible to think of all the activities that happen over the course of a year at your business, a new employee will feel more welcome if someone begins to share the work environment culture. The newcomer will start to feel like part of the team and that fellow workers are excited about working with them.

Prior to the hire

Louise Norris also shared that her welcome to the American Pan Company started at her first interview, long before her first day at work. Her initial interview with the human resource director created an atmosphere that made her feel very welcome and comfortable. A history and background of the company was shared with Norris which gave her a greater understanding of the business.

Her second interview was with the owners, who are family members. They gave her a tour from top to bottom and were willing to answer any questions. Norris shared, "They immediately treated me like family, and made me feel like a valuable person." The American Pan Company's approach to the interview process was a major contributing factor to Norris changing jobs.

Little Extra's

Several business take the new employee out to lunch, some with the entire group and others individually. One Ohio veterinarian clinic has a rose for the new employee with a card that says, "Welcome to our family." Another clinic gathers information about the employee ahead of time and posts the information on a bulletin board. Items such as children's names and ages, or favorite hobbies can help employees find similar interests and bond quicker.

Planning ahead and providing both the basics and the extras can make new employees' first day at work a great experience, giving you new workers who are glad they came to work at your business.

Building tips to keep your best people

• Create a welcoming atmosphere during the interview process
• Don't let the person's first day of work fall to chance - plan ahead
• Find creative ways to welcome the new person that fit with your work environment

Building Knowledge
Care Packages for the Workplace
Author: Barbara Glanz