Hiring new employees requires a great deal of time and resources, so you want them to be part of your team for years to come. However, 46 percent of new hires fail within 18 months, according to Leadership IQ.
If you’re having trouble keeping new employees intact, take a look at your onboarding program. Chances are, there are a few gaps that need to be addressed. Here are a few ideas to help you make changes for the better.
Pair Them With a Long-Term Mentor
When a new employee joins your team, you probably designate one long-term staffer as their guide for the first few days or weeks. This is great, but getting fully acclimated takes much longer than that. If people feel like they don’t have someone to go to with questions, comments and concerns shortly after starting a job, they’ll feel isolated. This can cause them to throw in the towel and look for another opportunity.
Help Them See Their Fit
Starting a new job is a major life change. Since getting adjusted can take time, people might initially wonder if they made the right choice. Eliminate these doubts by working with new hires to identify their personal brand — if they haven’t already done so — and showing them how it supports the organization. When they’re able to connect the dots, they’ll feel confident in their decision to join your team.
Get the Team Behind Them
Being the new employee isn’t always easy, especially if the person came from a close-knit team. Make them feel welcome by creating a support system from day one. Ask each employee who will be working closely with the person to take them aside for a one-on-one chat. This can be a conversation in their office, a coffee date or lunch. This will help develop a bond, allowing the new employee to become more comfortable with their peers.
Set the Tone for Their Future With the Company
You hired the new employee for a specific job, but that doesn’t mean you expect them to stay in this role forever. During their first few weeks of employment, talk to the person about their career goals and how they can be achieved at your company. This will allow them to envision a future at your organization, because the best and brightest people always have their sights on the next step.
Searching for new hires who want your company to be part of their long-term plan? PrideStaff Northern Kentucky is committed to helping you find the right fit every time. Contact us today to get started!
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