Imagine you're starting a new job. You're excited, but also a little nervous. You don't know anyone yet, and you're not sure where to start.
Now, imagine your workspace isn't set up for you, you aren't introduced to any new team members and your reporting manager is out of the office on your first day. How would that experience make you feel about your new job and company?
This is just an example to show why it's important to create a great impression on the first day for a new employee. By taking the time to welcome new employees properly, you're creating a positive and supportive work environment – which goes a long way towards retaining workers.
Retaining workers is the No. 1 priority for both operations (51%) and HR (66%) in 2023, continuing a gradual trend from 2022, according to research by Gallagher using data from 4,030 organizations across the US between December 2022 to March 2023. Retaining workers results in lower costs, higher productivity, stronger customer relationships, a more positive workplace culture, and a host of other benefits.
More than half of the organizations polled experienced a turnover rate of 15% or more in 2022, including nearly 1 in 5 (18%) whose turnover rate was 30% or higher. While the researchers cite the pandemic as a turnover accelerant, they say employers are continuing to see annual increases, with an overwhelming majority believing their turnover rate will remain high and above the target level.
With retention a priority, it’s critical for employers to ensure that new employees feel welcome and engaged from the start. Research by Gallup shows that three times as many people leave their job due to “Engagement and Culture” or “Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance” reasons, compared with the number of people who primarily leave for better “Pay/Benefits.”
Your company's welcome process should be tailored to your specific culture and values. But here are a few general tips:
| Send a welcome email or card: Include a personalized message and introduce the new employee to the company culture. This shows that you are excited about their arrival and have taken the time to learn about them. | |
| Host a welcome lunch: Invite the new employee to lunch with their team members or other key stakeholders. This is a great way to get to know each other and build relationships. | |
| Give a tour of the office: Show the new employee around the office and introduce them to their workspace and other important areas. | |
| Provide a welcome gift: A personalized welcome gift, such as a company-branded mug or water bottle, is a thoughtful way to make the new employee feel welcome. | |
| Assign a mentor: Pair the new employee with a mentor who can provide them with support and guidance. |
By following these tips or something similar, you can create a welcoming new employee experience that will help your new hires get off to a good start and set them up for continued success.