Management Tips for a New Employee’s First Day

By: Jennifer Leahy
September 12th, 2011

Be prepared. It’s more than a classic adage. Readying the workplace for new employees sends the message that they are valued and sets the tone for the course of their employment.

Effectively welcoming and incorporating new employees into a team is an important skill for any managers to have. But in today’s busy business environment, it’s easy to underestimate the time and energy that is required to properly onboard a new employee.

Managers who plan and prepare for new team members ensure a comfortable and productive beginning to what is hopefully a long and mutually beneficial work relationship. A new hire that arrives to chaos isn’t likely to have a good first day experience.

Managers should:

• Be sure security knows a new employee will be starting and has the information needed to direct the person to their supervisor or work area. New hires are typically a bit nervous when starting a job. Languishing in the lobby while security officers try to contact appropriate people is not an experience that will likely endear your company to its newest employee.
• Have a work area ready. Whether it’s a desk, cubicle or plush corner office, having a clean and available work area on the first day is important. Not doing so sends a message that the company isn’t prepared and isn’t too concerned about new employees.
• Push aside the paperwork. Yes, it’s important that new hires read and acknowledge receipt of the employee handbook. But effective managers realize that spending the first day of a new job sitting and reading through handbooks simply isn’t a good use of time. Instead, provide the materials and set aside time later in the week to discuss the handbook and address paperwork issues.
• Alert members of the work team that a new person will be starting. It’s tough for co-workers to welcome a new team member if they aren’t aware of the situation. If possible, prepare a list of contact people that can help with various work-related areas. Assign a co-worker, or several co-workers, to take the new hire to lunch.
• Show the new employee the office conveniences. Though it may sound simple, not knowing where to find a restroom, break room or coat closet can be disconcerting, if not downright uncomfortable, to any new hire.
• Alert the IT department. The majority of jobs require a computer and Internet access. Schedule a time to get the new employee “connected” to computer and phone systems.
• Lastly, and most importantly, be sure that the new employee’s direct supervisor has a fairly clear schedule so they’re available to spend time with the new team member. However, if the day erupts with a dozen pressing issues that require immediate attention, involve the new employee and have them shadow the supervisor.

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