Starting a new job can be bewildering for new employees… and can bring it’s own set of challenges for employers too. So here’s something we thought might help you to get your new starter ‘hit the ground running’

Send a welcome note to new employees before they start. Let them know what time they are expected to arrive on day one and tell them about parking arrangements and other day to day stuff like arrangements for food and drinks.

Include an agenda for the day so they know exactly what to expect. Provide vital information needed for the new recruit to be able to work effectively as quickly as possible.

Make sure that everyone knows about your new employee – Anybody who will be working closely with or managing your new team member should be available to meet on the first day or or at during the first week.

Ensure that all facilities are available on their first day:  Everything from technology, access keys or cards, any other equipment and consumables such as stationary, business cards etc.

Keep it interesting; one of the biggest complaints is that the induction process is boring! Give your new started a ‘road map’ but let them choose the order in which they discover things and meet people where possible. We really like new started quizzes –  where new team members have to find the information from other team members rather than being spoon fed it by their line manager.

Introduce your new employee to co-workers in a measured way. Think carefully about who  they NEED to meet on day one and who is less vital and can wait until it’s more appropriate. Doing it this way ensures your team member doesn’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated.

Have a plan written down to share with your new employee so that they are clear what will happen throughout the induction process. And also share this with other key team members who are part of the induction process.

Keep an open door and make time for a coffee and a chat at least once a week for the first 12 weeks. Ask for feedback from recent hires. Find out how they perceived the induction process and make changes based on those recommendations.