Making a Good Impression on Your New Employee: Focus on the First Day

We all know how important it is to make a good first impression. Whether you’re talking with a potential member, interviewing for a new opportunity, or meeting the friends or family of a significant other, you want to make sure they leave that interaction with a positive impression. But how focused are we when it comes to making a good impression on a new employee’s first day? It’s not enough to simply say, “Welcome. Here’s how to do your job. Here’s the password for your computer. Good luck!” It takes a conscious effort to make a new employee feel welcome and comfortable right from the start. Here’s a short list of ideas for you to implement in your organization when you have a new employee join the team. I can tell you from experience, these “little things” make a huge impact on the new employee and will set the tone for their success.

• Send an introductory welcome email to the entire team before the new employee arrives (and copy the new employee on the email). This way, the new person is properly welcomed – both in person and virtually.
• Provide a clean, functional workspace. Whether the space had been unused for some time or was recently occupied, make sure it has the necessary supplies and is dust-free before the new employee arrives on their first day.
• Have a welcome sign waiting for them at their desk. It’s fine if you feel like you aren’t artistic. Printing a sign on the computer will make the same great impression.
• Organize a team gathering. Whether you welcome the new employee with coffee and donuts in the break room or take them out to lunch, be sure the whole team can attend. It’s never too soon to make the new employee feel appreciated and part of the team.

What other ideas do you have for making a good first impression in welcoming a new team member? Put your ideas in the comments below!