4 Ways to Help Your New Hire Feel Comfortable and Hit the Ground Running

Joining a new organization is never easy. It goes much beyond the duties of the job, and when one starts in a new role they often have many things on their mind. Whether it be where to park in the lot or what time is acceptable to take lunch, there is no doubt that entering that new atmosphere can be stressful. Help your new employees to feel at home in their new environment and able to focus on what you really hired them for by doing the following:

Focusing on the small stuff

While you don’t want to come off as talking down to anyone, there are many things in the office that you know that is taken for granted. Things such as how to use the copier, where the restrooms are, or how to go about restocking office supplies are very minuscule things that when left untold will take up thinking room in the mind of your employee. Be thorough in your office tour and explain any company processes- no matter how small they may be. This is their new home. Make them feel as such.

Buddying up

Without being overly formal about it, pair your new hire up with one of the vets in the office. It is ideal to have them hanging around someone that is currently in or has been in a similar role, but anyone in the office can help to show them the ropes to some degree. Mentoring is a great way to get individuals up to speed, and hooking them up with someone of similar status level will make them more comfortable to ask the questions they may feel timid asking you or others at the management level. Having friends makes everyone more relaxed and really allows them to shine and not feel as if they are walking on egg shells in that new organizational setting.

Showing not telling

It is east to get carried away when training a new hire and start speeding through the process. Remember: you have done this a million times; they haven’t! Training videos, modules, and hands on exercises prove much more beneficial in education. Talking at your employee and expecting them to retain and master everything is unrealistic and counterproductive. Walk them through new processes they will be expected to carry out and even have them teach it back to you.

Planning outside of work activities

When breaking into a new role, most people usually act more reserved than they really are. They want to make a good impression and do not want to make mistakes- especially early on. While team-building and ice breakers in the office are great, it is extremely productive in socialization to get out of the office and spend time. Happy hours and lunches outside the office are a great way to really get someone in their comfort zone and can promote friendship. Lose the tie and kick back with a few drinks and let your employee know that you aren’t always the business-first manager/ owner that you portray in the office.