Workplace of Choice

We are about half way through August and although we would like to hold onto summer forever, the reality is that autumn is fast approaching.  As summer is winding down businesses are beginning to ramp up and move forward with their recruiting.  This is a great sign for all of us - it’s as if business has come back from vacation and is getting ready for the school year to begin in September. 

This analogy is not as silly as it sounds, if you think about HR recruitment and new hires, the scenario is very similar to the first day of school.  Remember your first day of college, high school, or kindergarten (if you’re lucky enough to remember that long ago)?  Maybe you spilled your breakfast on your special first day outfit or couldn’t find your locker – whatever the scenario, an unpleasant experience on your first day can be hard to overcome. 

The same can be true for new hires, which is why good new employee orientation programs are essential to successful on-boarding.  Yes, we’re adults now and we’re unlikely to encounter a similar faux pas as we did in our youth, but on-boarding new employees can have lasting effects which ultimately affects the success of the employee.  Many companies devote days to orientation programs, while some smaller companies find a simple lunch is sufficient. You don’t need to have a parade down Main Street every time you hire someone, but structuring the orientation process so the new hire is comfortable and well acclimated is essential.

Giving new hires the necessary attention, while not overloading them information will increase employee morale and productivity while decreasing employee turnover.  As you gear up for the fall, now is a perfect time to review and re-structure your new employee orientation program with the intention to attract, retain, educate and acclimate talented, loyal staff.  What are your on-boarding success stories?