Over the last few weeks, I have been reading a lot about plans for the new year and, from a business perspective, the forecast looks a little brighter on the hiring front. Perhaps your organization is looking to hire someone in the near future. Perhaps you are hoping to find a new position in the new year. Onboarding is a major part of employee retention and engagement. Regardless of the position, we are all on a team and on that first day there is a little bit of a pit in our stomachs; will we be accepted with open arms, or will colleagues shun us?
Do you remember what it was like on the first day of your current job? What did your organization, supervisor, or co-workers do to welcome you onto the team? Did they have an onboarding process beyond what was offered by human resources? Did they have a process to welcome you and increase your engagement with others on the team?
I can actually remember my first ‘real job’ out of college. The year was 1979 and I had just obtained my Maryland real estate license. I was hired and began selling real estate for a local Century 21 franchise. After going through the basic training program in the regional offices, I went in my local office, where my boss welcomed me and said, “Welcome aboard, here’s your desk, here’s your business cards, here’s your phone. Good Luck.” He then walked away and I was left there to figure everything else out on my own.
A couple of the other agents in the office came by and introduced themselves to me, but that was about it. There was no significant effort to bring me onto the team and if I did not ask for help, it was not offered. Some might call this the sink or swim method of onboarding a new employee. What do you think?
What stories do you have about beginning a new position?
What Was Your Onboarding Experience?
Image courtesy of Garry Knight
New beginnings are exciting! When I started this job, I felt both excited and scared. I also wasn’t sure about everything to expect. My manager tried to help to fit in as part of the team by bringing me around and introducing me to many. My new coworkers said their names and gave a brief description on what they did. I was a little overwhelmed to try to learn so many names and job descriptions in a matter of a few days, but it helped.
Many stayed to themselves and didn’t reach out to the “new girl.” However, there were a few outgoing coworkers who helped the “new girl” along the way, and they made learning the ropes much easier.
One thing I found that helped to the “new person,” is that my office has everyone’s names outside their offices/cubicles. This makes it easier for people to associate a person’s name with a face.