On-Boarding Without Over-Boring

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Welcome aboard!

The first day on a new job will often be full of these things:

  • Nervousness
  • Boring-ness
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Paperwork
  • Awkwardness
  • Training

But, what if we added a few other things to the list:

  • Laughter
  • Silliness
  • Welcome Cards
  • Free food
  • Decorations
  • Swag

For as much as YOU CHOSE the new employee, they also made a PERSONAL CHOICE to work for you.

Now, all of the ideas in this post may no apply to every type of business out there. But, if it makes you rethink the on-boarding process at your company just a teeny bit, then this post was a success.

I asked some friends on Facebook (thanks guys!) to share things that worked on their first day at a new job. Here’s what folks said:

  • Having their computer station set up and ready to go
  • Company tour
  • Meeting everyone in the company face to face
  • Lunch with the team
  • Being told you are allowed to browse the internet with no boundaries (thanks @jtwatkin for that gem)

What people didn’t like:

  • Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork
  • Confusion about schedules or other things that were not clear when you took the position

We’re not perfect but we’ve found that making the new employee feel most welcome on their first day is ideal. Here are some things that we at Phone.com do for our new customer service representatives:

On Boarding Without Over Boring

Welcome Cards

We encourage our existing reps to write notes of encouragement to welcome the new employee. The team writes one card per new representative, complete with advice about the job, motivating words and even pictures. We scatter the cards around the desk for the new rep.

Free Lunch

Happy tummies all around! We will order in and eat together as a team on the first day for a casual, welcoming meal. Food has a way to bring people together.

Meet and Greet

Nothing says “hello” better than a face to face meet and greet. Show your new employee off to the rest of the company, everyone–from the COO and beyond–to give a good, old fashioned handshake and welcome. A tour of the office is always ideal as well.

Swag

If you got it, give it! We placed Phone.com mugs, pens, balloons, stress balls and a shirt on the desk of the new representative.

Show Your Culture

If you have a fun, upbeat and positive culture–show it, especially in the beginning. The first impression counts! This lets the employee know what they are getting into as well as helps sooth those first day nerves.

What are some of YOUR ideas to make the first day of a new job totally awesome?

Republished with author's permission from original post.

Jenny Dempsey
Jenny is Consumer Experience Manager for Apeel Sciences and FruitStand with more than 15 years of customer service experience. She is co-founder and a regular contributor on CustomerServiceLife.com.

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