Working with New Employees - The First Six Months Make a Difference

10/15/2019

by Jim Wirth

When someone new joins your organization, there’s a sense of change in the air. Everyone is curious about the newest member of the team, and some people may feel nervous.  The new person is wondering how he or she will fit in with the “veterans.” The “veterans” are wondering how the new person will fit in with the group. If a new employee feels welcomed and satisfied during the first six months in their position, it establishes a strong relationship between the organization and the employee that has a good chance of continuing.

Welcoming New Employees 
If new employees feel welcomed, they will be eager to come to work. You may want to personally walk new employees through the school. Introduce new employees to other associates with a statement like, I hope you’ll all welcome Mary and help her out as she learns our system. That way, the other associates know that how they treat the new employee is important to you. And when you spend time with the new employees, they feel important and appreciated. You may also ask a veteran associate whom you admire to spend time with a newcomer to help show the new employee “the ropes.”   

A Great Opportunity
 In the beginning, new employees are very eager to do things right. In fact, during the first six months, an employee is more eager to learn and please than at any other time during his or her employment. During this time, supervisors have a great opportunity to get across their message. What is most important for your new people to know? You may wish to stress issues like “on” and “off” the job safety, promptness, goals, etc. Think about your goals for the new employee and the workforce as a whole. Allow yourself to be creative in thinking of the most effective ways to help new employees become part of your organization.  

Don’t Overload 
A common mistake is overloading new employees with too much information. Remember that they need some time to get used to new people, new tasks and a new schedule. For the first week, keep your information general unless the task they are assigned has specific hazards. That way, there’s a better chance that the information will be remembered. More specific information can be presented the following week or (depending on the position) the following month.

For more information contact Jim Wirth, 614.827.0370 or jim.wirth@careworkscomp.com.