Building trust with your employees starts even before they’re officially on board at your company. Its roots are planted at their first point of contact – when they visit your website, hear about you from a contact, or search for and find your open jobs. First impressions are often indelible.
For those roots to flourish, it’s important to continue nurturing them throughout your hiring process and as you preboard and onboard the newest members of your team.
Don’t overlook pre-boarding.
Pre-boarding engagement happens during the time period between a signed offer letter and a new hire’s first day at work. Here are a few ideas for making the most of it:
- Get the necessary paperwork out of the way. Send out required pre-employment paperwork in advance, so your new hires can take the time they need to complete it thoroughly and thoughtfully. This will help reduce the inevitable stress of their first week at work so they can focus on more important matters like training and meeting their new team.
- Ease your new hires’ anxiety. Ease new employees’ nerves by giving them details that are second nature to folks who’ve been around for a while – such as where to park, what to wear, and whether people typically bring a lunch or order out. This can help them acclimate more quickly and seamlessly.
- Build relationships. Send your new employees an email with information about who they’ll be working with, or have their colleagues reach out individually. If a company event or happy hour is coming up, invite them to attend so they can meet everyone in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. Consider sending some fun company swag, like a logo sweatshirt, cap or coffee mug.
Continue the engagement during onboarding.
Onboarding should continue through at least a new employee’s first 90 days on the job. The goal is to continue to make them feel welcome, valued, and prepared for long-term success and growth.
- Have their work area ready when they arrive. From email and internet connection to pens, pencils, notepads and a plant, balloons or a similar gesture, be sure your new hires’ work stations are fully equipped and operational, as soon as they sit down on Day One.
- Set up a buddy system. Assign a more experienced coworker to show your new hire around during their early days at your company and answer their questions to help them become acclimated. You may want to consider extending this into a longer term mentorship relationship, which can be very beneficial to both parties.
Let PrideStaff Northern Kentucky help you ensure a winning experience for your candidates, new hires and their colleagues – so you can solidify their trust and loyalty and ensure that everyone’s expectations are met and exceeded. We’ll work with you to build your team and your brand for greater productivity, profitability and staff retention, and a successful future. Reach out to us today to learn more.
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