geek evaluation

Hiring Guide for Small Business (Guide 4):
The New Hire Aboard

The “boarding” process of a new employee is just as critical as the hiring process. It should provide new hires with the knowledge, tools, and contacts they need to success in their new role in the company. More importantly, the boarding process is about making the new employee feel comfortable, safe, and welcome in his or her new environment.

If in case you have an employee who is not fitting in with his colleagues, take some time to assess the situation and consider implementing the following:

Initiate group activities everyone can get involved in. Organize a lunch outing, a creative brainstorming session, or other fun activities so your new team member can feel a part of the group.

Ask team leaders to step up and make new employees feel welcome. Encourage employees to set up “lunch dates” with three others they don’t know very well and to follow up on their experiences.

Consider a mentor program. Pair a new employee and veteran employee together so the latest member of your team can learn the ins and outs of the company.

Take on the responsibility of getting to know your employees. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. If you work on building a positive and trusting working relationship with them, in time, they will feel more confident talking to you about what they want in a workplace environment.