Let’s face it. The first day in a new job can be terrifying for any one of us. Those ‘what if’ questions might automatically enter our minds.
What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
What if people don’t like me?
What if this is the biggest mistake of my life?
And so on and so on.
It might be that you can identify with what we’re saying so you can add your own ‘what ifs’ to the list.
It’s because a first day can be so daunting that you should do all you can to give a new employee a great first day in your business. In this regard, consider the suggestions we give below.
#1: Greet them at the door
Those first few steps towards a new company can be scary for a new employee as they will still be wrestling with their nerves and anxieties. This can be made easier with a welcoming face, be that your own or the face of an experienced employee. A friendly face and a reassuring handshake can do much to put them at ease so give them the warm welcome they need to make them feel comfortable.
#2: Assign your employee a ‘buddy’
The first day can be overwhelming as there are lots of things to learn and remember. You can make your new employees’ day easier by giving them somebody to assist them.
They can introduce the employee to other staff members, show them around your workspace, and get them up to speed on such things as administrative paperwork and the CRM systems your business uses. They can also be there for your new employee to turn to, so if they have any questions or if they forget something, they will have somebody they can turn to.
#3: Give your employee the training they need
Your new employee will have a lot to learn during the first few days in your business, above and beyond the requirements of their job description. Getting your employee started with training on their first day will ease them into your business, and will give them the confidence they need to get started. For you, this can be exhausting of course, especially if you take on training responsibilities yourself. But it is your job to understand their circumstances like if they have a chronic illness, are a non exempt employee, and other things that they may need support or adjustments made for.
However, you can make both your life easier and that of your new employees with a learning management system.
You can see an example of this at https://www.learningbank.io/. There are lots of advantages to using one, not least the fact that you can customize it according to the learning requirements of your employee and your business.
#4: Check in with them
Hopefully, your employee will be cared for by the other members of your staff. But you should still touch base with them at some point during the day, just in case anything has made them feel uncomfortable, or in case they haven’t received the support they need. Ask them how they are getting along, answer any questions, and give them all the help they need in acclimatising to your business.
Finally
By giving your employee a great first day you will do much to ease their nerves. They should then feel happier about coming in the next day, without being tempted to throw an early sick day, and without the urge to give up on their job before it has properly begun.
