How to Welcome New Employees

Why take the time to welcome new employees?

• The first day can be a lot to take in and the new employee can be very nervous. Getting rid of the nerves, helping them get to know co-workers and showing that you do care who they are and what is important to them, will help them settle in to their new job and be productive sooner...
• Welcome new employees so they feel like you are a company that cares about them and you will have better employees for doing so...
• Do a "welcome to your new company" letter. Tell them a little bit about the company, their co-workers (their names, positions, etc), and yourself. Let them know who they can go to if they have questions and by-all-means, let them know how happy you are they have decided to come to work for you and how you look forward to a long working relationship with them.  Along with this letter, you can give them a questionnaire to fill out that tells a little bit about themselves...favorite soda, hobbies, etc. and have them turn it in at the end of the day. You can use this questionnaire to know what type of things to reward them with down the road.
• A new hire packet is another great way to welcome a new employee. The packet should consists of things for their job and something special just for them. Most all packets could include: A list of when your company pay days are, a list of holidays your company take off, a copy of their time-sheet (if they have a time sheet that they need to fill out), a notebook and pen (employees from maintenance to porter to management always have a use for paper and pen in their jobs), give them an almond joy candy bar with a card and let them know that you are over"joy"ed that they are starting work with your company, give them copies of insurance information, 401K information.
• If they are not from the area, then give them local restaurant menus, directions to schools, shopping centers, etc.  Don't only welcome them to your business , but welcome them to your neighborhood..
• Have a "Welcome to your new job" party/lunch. Buy pizza and let the new employee get to know your other staff members...Or you can go as simple as donuts and coffee (brunch style ). Anything that is relaxing and informal so everyone can get to know each other...