As a recruiter, the last thing you want to see is your new recruits jumping ship not long after joining the team.
Although on paper the Lakers should crush the lowly Knicks, a successful coach knows anything can happen on the court. While the importance of a good on boarding experience is not lost on employers, it is wise to be well prepared even if it all looks great on paper.
A good coach also knows that if players do not have the fundamentals down pat, such as technique and positioning, then the game is lost before it even begins. As a recruiter make sure the following 5 fundamentals are addressed to prevent your new hires from going to look for a new place to play.
Coach, Are You Listening?
Fact. Employees need to feel like they are being heard and their opinions matter. Sure, there is a lot of information your recruits need to know, but do not make the mistake of talking at them without taking the time to acknowledge their questions and concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem.
Sometimes, new recruits are nervous to speak up, so you might need to make the first move. Try asking them how their on boarding experience is going so far, and what you can do to improve it. This shows you value their opinions and are willing to do something about it.
Game 1 Jitters
No matter if the player is a rookie or a seasoned veteran, starting a new job can be quite a nerve-wracking experience. It might be caused by an unease over adjusting to a new environment, a fear of making a good first impression, or just preoccupation with trying to remember everyone’s names.
It is a sure bet that too much information given on the first day will likely not stick at all. Like a pre-season game, allow your players to get comfortable by easing them into the flow. On the first day get their computers and work desks set up to their liking, introduce them to some teammates, and point out the direction to the cappuccino machine. Gradually give them more particulars over the first week so by the time the regular season rolls around they will be ready to take the court in top shape.
Score First
As the playbook says, first impressions are lasting impressions. Your on boarding experience sets the tone for the coming days ahead. So, ask yourself what impression are you delivering. Are you coming off as disorganized and unprepared? Do you just drop a stack of onboard paperwork to be filled out in front of your new hire and leave to take care of “more important things”?
Making a good first impression is not as difficult as it may sound. Just be genuine when speaking to your recruits and make an honest effort to show they are appreciated. A great way to come off on the right foot is by not rushing the on boarding process or attend to other tasks, unless absolutely necessary.
My Jersey Is Misspelled
An employee’s first day is stressful enough but multiply that by ten when the recruiter is not organized. When a new hire knows that their onboard paperwork is already prepared and essential workplace materials are all set up from the onset, it will give them a secure feeling that the company is prepared for any future changes.
Some jobs just require a uniform and a pencil, but other positions can be much more complex. It gets even harder when you must manage the needs of a whole team of people. Set up a checklist to identify all items needed for each position. In most cases there will be an overlap of items needed, so divide your checklist into two sections, with the first part to be used for “standard” needs, and the second for position-specific items.
A Team Game
Inevitably, when a new player comes to play for you, the dynamic of the team will be challenged. This can be particularly true if the new employee is in a leadership role. Changes in a team are more widely embraced when it is built on a strong foundation of communication and support. Speak to the team about the changes and address any concerns before the new player joins the locker room.
By clearing the air beforehand, it will give the group a chance to embrace their new teammate with open arms.
Missing the Huddle
The on boarding experience does not stop on your home court. For employees working remotely, it is especially critical for recruiters to make sure the desire to not feel left out is addressed.
Despite face-to-face contact via video conferencing technologies, it does not compare to the feeling a player gets from being in the huddle during intermission. Remote workers cannot slap high fives with their teammates after a project turns into a slam dunk or become irrationally happy like everyone else during free lunch Wednesdays and casual Fridays.
To address this need, make sure the virtual social aspects in the on boarding program is emphasized. When introducing the employee to the business communication software the company utilizes, such as Slack or Telegram, don’t forget to highlight the groups designed for employees to talk about that sick buzzer-beater from LeBron or to share funny cate memes.