One of the best ways for employers to retain their employees is to make sure they always have a sense of connection to the company’s mission and workplace culture. That connection is what sets your employees up for long-term success. And it should start on their first day of employment.
Here are 7 ways to give a new employee a warm welcome.
#1 – Welcome Breakfast
Who doesn’t appreciate mouthwatering munchies first thing in the morning? Set up a small welcome breakfast for new employees. It’s a great way for them to meet their fellow team members in a casual setting.
Set up a small welcome breakfast for new employees. It’s a great way for them to meet their fellow team members in a casual setting.
#2 – Scavenger Hunt
Create a fun scavenger hunt that takes a new employee through the company to find items in various departments and meet new colleagues. Some ideas for items they can collect along the way include office supplies for their desk, gift certificates or food/candy.
#3 – Meet the CEO
Depending on the size of your organization, consider a brief, one-on-one introduction to your CEO or other members of management. If an in-person meeting isn’t feasible, have your CEO send a handwritten note to new employees, welcoming them to the team.
#4 – Company Swag
Free company swag is always a safe gift for new employees. Put together a welcome bag with company-branded items like apparel, pens and notepads, mug/tumbler, and even their business cards.
#5 – Half-Day Orientation
The first day on the job can be overwhelming to some new employees. If your company has orientation or training as part of the onboarding process, consider half-day sessions instead of full-day. It can help prevent information overload and be much more beneficial to new employees.
#6 – To-Do List
Get a new employee’s feet wet on day one with a short to-do list. Don’t go overboard, but give the individual some key tasks to accomplish on his or her first day. It’s a great way for them to dive right in, make an impact, and immediately feel like part of the team.
#7 – Buddy Program
A buddy system or mentoring program is something that many employers have as part of their employee onboarding process. Pairing a new employee with a seasoned employee who can help show the ropes and share company insights is one more way to start building their connection with the workplace culture.
Ideas for a Large Group New Employees
For employers with larger group of employees who joined the company around the same time, there are some great options for making sure any questions they have are answered, and that their voices are heard. Hold a Q&A session for employees to ask questions they may have after a few weeks or months on the job. Send out a group survey asking for their input on their onboarding experience – what worked well? Where is there room for improvement?
Do you have any creative ways to give a new employee a warm welcome? Share with us!