Make it a Banner Day
Did you know that nine out of 10 employees can tell you the date of their first day on the job? That’s why it’s imperative to plant carrot seeds early—beginning on an employee’s first day at work.
Imagine what happens to a newly hired employee when, on the first few days of her employment, she receives recognition. Would an environment like that have an effect on your ability to keep new employees? How would your first job have been different if that company had properly acknowledged your contributions and created a culture of recognition and encouragement from day one?
If you do it right, you have a much better chance of keeping those good employees. Otherwise, very different seeds can be sown on that first day, including discontent, fear and instability.
A very simple way to start out right is to surprise a new employee with a welcome banner on the door or over her desk. If you’re not that flashy, a simple welcome card signed by the entire team is another way to greet a new person. Or consider placing a breakfast bar including bagels and doughnuts next to the new employee’s desk and encouraging employees to stop by to eat, meet and greet.
No matter what you do, cancel the first meeting of the morning and be sure you are there to greet her as she arrives in the morning and introduce her to co-workers. It will be the first of many great things to come.
