Starting a new job is a bit like walking into a party where you don’t know anyone. You’re excited, but you’re also nervously clutching your drink, wondering if you’re supposed to introduce yourself or wait for someone else to make the first move. 

For new employees, those first few days—or weeks—can feel like a mix of excitement and awkwardness. It’s probably more awkward than anything else as they try and learn the ropes of the company. Well, to a degree, that alone could be a complaint (but it’s natural for everyone).

And if businesses don’t step in to make them feel welcome, that awkwardness can stick around far longer than it should. As a business owner, you need to understand that your new staff needs to have this sense of belonging ASAP. If you want high retention rates, well, that needs to be comfortable! If you want your new hires to hit the ground running and feel like part of the team straight away, here’s how to make it happen.

Make the First Day Count

Okay, so for starters, it’s best to talk about that all-important first day. It’s the one shot you’ve got to make a great impression, so don’t let it fizzle out with a half-hearted “Here’s your desk, and HR will be by later.” Just think about how you’d want to feel walking into a new place. Is their desk ready? Do they have the tools they need to get started? Maybe even a little welcome card or their favourite snacks waiting for them?

These small touches can make a huge difference. And don’t just leave them to fend for themselves. So many businesses do that, and it’s so rude!

Don’t Leave Them Guessing

Nothing’s more stressful than starting a new job and not knowing what’s expected of you. The first few weeks can be a whirlwind, and if no one’s taking the time to show new hires the ropes, they’re bound to feel lost.

Ideally, just go ahead and sit down with them and go through their role, responsibilities, and goals together. Don’t just hand them a stack of papers and hope they figure it out. Just go ahead and give them a roadmap for the first few months so they can see exactly where they’re heading and what success looks like.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Needless to say, everyone loves feeling appreciated, especially when they’re new and still figuring things out, right? Well, here’s the thing you really need to keep in mind: recognising their early contributions can really boost their confidence. Again, it’s about those retention rates! So, you need to make them feel like they’re valued right from the very start!

Sometimes, it helps to have some technology step in as well; for example, Bonusly’s employee recognition software can make this super easy. When you take a moment to shout out someone’s achievement, no matter how small, it shows you’re paying attention. Everyone loves recognition, and every employee, new and old, deserves it!

Create a Culture of Inclusion

Belonging isn’t just about saying, “You’re part of the team now!” In all honesty, words don’t mean too much; for the most part, it’s more about showing it! So, new hires need to feel like their voices matter and that they’re genuinely welcome, not just tolerated. Ideally, you need to encourage your team to reach out and connect with them. 

For example, a quick invite to lunch or asking for their thoughts in a meeting might seem small, but it makes a world of difference.