With hiring a replacement costing on average $13,996, hiring managers need to take the time to turn their new hire into a top performer. The following 10 tips for hiring new employees can ensure that your new hire will be fostered into high-performing employees.
1) Prepare for the first day
On their first day, it’s likely that new employees are both excited and nervous. Match your new hires’ enthusiasm to show that you are equally excited that they are joining your team! Make sure that everything your new employees need is prepared for the first day. This includes desk set-up, passwords, equipment, paperwork, and anything else they may need to have a smooth and organized first day.
2) Have a well-paced ramp up
Starting a new job means a lot of new information, tasks, and projects. Too much responsibility too early on will likely overwhelm and discourage your new hires, so ensure that you ease them into their new roles. Create a training plan that provides employees with information in small batches and set milestones based on the training. These small accomplishments will keep new employees engaged and ensure that they are on the right track!
3) Explain your mission
A Gallup survey showed that employees who feel a sense of purpose within their organizations are more likely to stay. These results show the importance of communicating the organization’s goals to employees and explaining how an employee’s particular role contributes to these goals. This will drive employees and give them a sense of pride and accountability in the success of the organization.
4) Listen
The same study from Gallup showed that 66% of new hires consider leaving the company when they feel as though their managers do not listen. New employees want to feel like they are a valuable part of the team, therefore it is vital that managers encourage, listen to, and consider new employees’ ideas. As a result, new employees will feel comfortable contributing ideas and making decisions. This will also increase employee engagement!
5) Reward early
As we can all relate to, it is difficult being the new employee and trying to fit into a new work environment. Keep your new employees motivated by rewarding them when they accomplish their goals. Set reasonable targets and support your new employees on the way. This, of course, is also a great strategy for current employees. Remember: motivation = retention!
6) Assign an initial project
Provide new employees with a relevant project right away so that they can become comfortable with their job and preview what their role will entail. Match their training directly with their work. Make sure to communicate how their project contributes to company goals and provide feedback when they have completed it. Ensure that new employees fully understand what is expected of them.
7) Assign a “buddy”
To reduce new-work-environment anxiety, set new employees up with a buddy that can show them the ropes. A buddy is someone that is not the new employee’s direct supervisor, but that is ideally in a similar role (maybe a level or two above) and has been with the company for a sufficient amount of time. Have new employees shadow their buddy and ask them any questions. The buddy will serve as a support system and a potential mentor to help a new employee with his/her career path. Provide buddies with the necessary resources to help the new hire; for example, a coffee or lunch allowance.
8) Be present
Maintain a strong and supportive presence in the new employee’s work life. Schedule regular meetings to review your new employee’s performance. Discuss what is going well and possible areas for improvement. Encourage employees to give feedback on their roles and the company. This is all valuable information to gather as managers as it will give you a greater insight about your team.
These management strategies will ensure a smooth transition from new employees to top performers and encourage new hires to stay and thrive in the organization. Extra investment in the beginning provides long-term value!
