Nobody wants to walk into a new office and have nothing to make them feel welcome to the team on their very first day. In any situation, it’s awkward to stand around and have to figure out where to go and what to do first. It is more so, when you are new to the team. This is why an impressive onboarding experience is a must do for any employer or manager. It will leave a great first impression long after induction has finished.
A great onboarding session starts long before your new teammate sets foot in the office. When you bring them in, you would want them to be as comfortable as possible. It’s hard enough to start a new job, so make the transition as seamless as you can.
For a smooth onboarding experience, here’s a checklist of what should be in your welcome kit:
A welcome message
The team leader or direct line manager should include a personalized note in the welcome kit. It doesn’t have to be Pulitzer Prize winning. A simple message that welcomes them to the team, acknowledging their competencies, and anticipating their contributions will do. For example: “Welcome to the team, Scott. Your experience as a senior project manager is a great addition to this high performing team and we can’t wait to see how your expertise can help us achieve our goals together.
If you want to be extra, a handwritten note from the owner or CEO closes this loop off with fireworks and makes a huge difference in making your new teammate feel welcome.
An employee handbook
This can be a physical book or a digital e-book. Essential contents include: organizational information, compensation and benefits, code of conduct, workplace safety, and policies.
Paperwork
By this time, your new teammate should have all the paperwork filled out. So they should now receive copies of their contracts, policies, and other relevant paperwork (identification, parking passes, security and access cards, etc.). This shows you are prepared, organized, and looking forward to having them on your team.
The tools
Provide your new teammate with all the tools they need in order to transition to their new job smoothly. First up is the tech. Laptops and accessories such as headphones, monitors, etc. should be given front and foremost. These should be equipped with the tools and systems that the team uses in doing collaborative work. Needless to say, new teammates should be granted roles based access to these systems before they start.
Extra care package
Sweeten the deal by going the extra mile and providing them with a care package. If you have company merch (water bottles, spill-proof mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, pens, etc.) then that should be included in the welcome kit. If not, you can put together one yourself. It can include: healthy snacks, pens and notebooks, and other office supplies which you can pack in a company branded eco-bag.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. What’s included in your company welcome kit? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp