How do you welcome new employees to your team? 

Guest Post by Lisa Coburn

Some organizations call it on-boarding and others call it assimilating.  It boils down to how we welcome new team members.  A friend of mine recently accepted a position and didn’t have any contact from accepting the job to the day she started.

Here are some of my favorite tips and questions that have received positive reviews.

• Once the candidate accepts the offer – Go beyond the standard start date and where to show up for first day or new employee orientation and ask:
  • I’ll be sending out an announcement.  Anything you want me to include?
  • How do you want your name to appear on your business cards and office plate?
  • What are your favorite snacks? How about beverage?  (Non-alcoholic)

• If they’re starting on Monday, call on Friday afternoon to check in with them:
  • I’m really looking forward to you joining the team.  Any last minute questions?
  • Do you/your team go out to lunch or have a pot luck with new team members?  Ask – What food do you really like?  Any that you avoid?  Allergies/restrictions?  It shows you really care.

• First day:
  • Welcome pack with favorite snacks, beverages and business cards at their work area
  • Here’s what the first day looks like, including lunch plans
  • End of day – How did things go?  Any surprises?

• End of week:
  • What were the highlights?  Any challenges?
  • Who did you meet? (Building the network)
  • This person brings fresh eyes to your organization.  Take advantage of that by asking:
    • Can you tell me where you saw examples of our values in action?
    • Is our mission, vision, strategy apparent?
    • Where can we improve in these areas?
  • What’s important to achieve next week?
  • What do you need from me to get you up to speed as quickly as possible?

• End of second week:
  • Do you know why I selected you for this position?  See what they say and then share your reasons and any insights that have proven that over the last two weeks.
  • Is this what you expected?
  • What do you need from me?

This is the beginning of a relationship.  Hopefully, a great one.  Are you doing everything you can to make the person feel like they made the right decision saying “Yes” to joining your team?

With a background in learning and development, coaching and consulting, Lisa Coburn’s passion is unleashing the full potential in individuals and teams. We’ve all been given gifts, the question is “Are we maximizing them?”   You can connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.  Or via email @ LAC.Coburn@gmail.com