When it comes to welcoming new colleagues to your team, it’s important to give a good first impression so that everyone feels comfortable and engaged. You might find that some individuals are introverted, so they might run into challenges getting used to a more vibrant work environment—while the same could hold true for extraverts in a more reserved company culture.
While it’s not impossible for different personalities to get along, it certainly takes due diligence by the hiring managers to ensure all members of your team feel at ease in order to take on their new position most effectively.
For many professions, including accounting and finance, the first few days in a new role are usually filled with learning technical components of the role and the ins and outs of the organization. This could be overwhelming which is why it’s important for companies to welcome new team members into their organization properly.
I recently came across an article on Entrepreneur.com that discusses ways for businesses to onboard their new colleagues in an effective way to make sure they feel like a part of the team. I wanted to share these tips in the 6 Ways to Give New Colleagues a Warm Welcome below.
1. Explain the little things
Often, the smallest details of the office space are the ones that get overlooked when it comes to welcoming a new colleague. Don’t forget to include some housekeeping tips. For example, where is the bathroom? What’s the WiFi password? Is there a printer that’s tricky to use? Be sure to walk each new employee throughout the office and point out this information in order to make sure they know the basics.
2. Use the buddy system
There’s a reason that the buddy system was so memorable – because it works. While it might seem simple, making sure that new hires have a peer they can go to for questions during their first few days on the job is important. It gives the new employee assurance that they have someone to go to with any questions. Assigning a colleague to a new team member doesn’t have to be a formal process, it can be the person with the most tenure or even the person who sits closest to them.
3. Include them in the action
Allowing a new hire to get in the trenches with the team right away is beneficial because it gives them a firsthand view of what to expect. Sometimes the best way to learn a new role is to dive headfirst. Depending on the level of the new employee, it might make sense to have them sit in in team meetings, attend an event or assign them a priority project.
4. Let them be social
While it’s important to make sure that new team members are learning about their role and responsibilities, they should also understand the company culture and team dynamic. For that reason, be sure to incorporate a time when the team can take a breath and get to know each other in a less pressured way – this could be a lunch or even a happy hour outside of the office. This could be especially helpful for any remote colleagues. If they’re located close to the office, it’s a good idea to invite them to meet the team in person.
5. Take a coffee break
A quick coffee break is another simple way to welcome new colleagues. Taking 15 minutes out of the day to grab a cup of coffee is a relaxing, no-pressure way to get to know your team member. Whether the discussion is centered on work-related topics or personal topics, this is a surefire way to make them feel welcomed.
6. Break the ice
Allowing new employees to introduce themselves to the team and talk about their background including where they went to school and what companies they previously worked at are great conversation starters. You can also have them throw in fun facts like their favorite sports, so other team members can find ways to relate to them.
What are some of the other ways to welcome new employees? Comment below and let us know!