There are many things you can do to make your new team member’s first day a success, but these five are the ones you don’t want to miss.
1. Welcome Them “At the Door”
Starting a new job is equally exciting and nerve racking. Relieve the pressure for that new employee by greeting them as soon as they arrive. Someone should be waiting at the reception area to welcome them, show them where to go, and make them feel comfortable. Not only will this help them avoid any confusion, it also demonstrates your excitement that they’re a part of the team.
PRO TIP: Send an email the week prior with a brief welcome message and a few things to expect. Include in it directions, entry door codes, and who will be greeting them.
2. Introduce Them to Others
After the new employee has had a chance to find their desk and deposit their belongings, tour them around the office. Focus the tour on relationship building. Facilitate introductions to coworkers at every level, and include context and history along the way. For example, tell them how long veteran employees have been with the organization and how they will be working with the new hire.
PRO TIP: Re-introduce the new employee during your next organization-wide meeting.
3. Take Them to Lunch
Nothing builds relational capital like sharing a meal with others. Make a reservation at a lunch spot nearby and treat the new employee to lunch. Use the time to get to know your new team member on a personal level. Keep the conversation topics light and avoid any temptation to gossip.
PRO TIP: If you’d like other co-workers to join you for lunch, pre-invite them. Inviting them on the day of the event can be disrupt their busy schedule.
4. Review the Policies
As important as this is, reviewing the policy manual is often overlooked by busy organizations. Schedule time on day one to go over the regulations, policies, and cultural values of your church or ministry. If your organization employs a Human Resources or Operations representative, then insert them into this process. If you do not have a formal onboarding process, this meeting can serve as a viable alternative. Be sure to communicate clearly and provide takeaway sheets for the information you’re presenting.
PRO TIP: If your organization doesn’t have an HR or Operations position, take the initiative to deliver this information yourself. Skipping this step will only lead to confusion in the future.
5. Give Them Time Alone
Finish the first day by leaving your new employee alone at their desk for the remainder of the day. This will give them time to process everything they have seen, heard, and learned during their first day on the job. Communicate your expectations by telling them to use the time to review all the materials and notes they’ve accumulated during the day. The employee can also use this time to connect with your Human Resources representative and tie up any loose ends.
PRO TIP: Swing by the new employee’s desk at the end of the day to encourage them and answer any outstanding questions.
Caring for your team starts on day one. Whether you lead a team or just aspire to make a difference in your ministry, helping new team members get oriented is a valuable use of your time.