Keep New Hires on Board
First impressions are crucial - especially the first impression a new hire gets of your organization. Studies show that a negative perception of your organization during the first 60-90 days of employment can lead new personnel to look for a new job within the first year. Here is how to put your best foot forward:
- Start before the new person does. Stay in touch after he or she has accepted the position to answer questions or help in other ways. And make sure that the new person's work space is ready for the first day of work.
- Designate a mentor or a partner to show the new person around, make introductions, and begin training.
- Begin with the basics. People become productive sooner if they are firmly grounded in the basic knowledge they need to understand their job. Focus on the why, when, where, and how of the position before expecting them to handle assignments. Don't drown them with too much information.
- Give the new person some responsibilities for his or her own orientation. Offer opportunities for self-directed learning, under appropriate supervision.
- Keep the new person's family in mind. A new job means adjustments for the whole family, especially if they've relocated. Do what you can to ease the transition and help them feel comfortable in the community.
Source: Adapted from the Pryor Report.
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