Ways to Help New Employees Adapt to the Workspace

Today, companies all over the globe are paying close attention to the different ways that they are introducing new employees into their workplace, particularly those who have just received their college degree. Since one-third of new employees sever their ties within 6 months of starting their new job, an effective onboarding process is essential to the success of the entire organization. Therefore, many companies and their representatives are devising plans that will help these employees adapt well early on. Here are some of the most beneficial ways to help new employees to adapt to their workspace.

1. Plan a Welcoming First Day

“I am just another number” is not the impression that you want to give to the new employee. Since the first impression may be the one that lasts the longest, you do not want to give them wiggle room to classify your organization as a cold environment. To avoid these types of issues, you need to make sure that the hiring manager is available to receive and welcome the employee to their new work environment.

You can help to reduce first-day jitters by providing them with an overview of what their day will look like when they meet their peers. You may even add a special touch to their first day by requesting upper management or project management leads stop by and introduce themselves. This brief introduction will give the employee a chance to connect with higher levels in the organization early on, so they’ll feel confident contacting upper management when an issue arises and needs to be addressed.

2. Pair Them up with a Coworker

To help your new hire to adapt quickly to their new surroundings, pair them up with a seasoned coworker. Buddy systems are an excellent way to ensure employees adapt and assimilate easily to their new work environment. The experienced coworker can show them what their day-to-day responsibilities will entail. Their guide can show them around the department so that they will not only know exactly where things in the organization are located but also guide them to ensure a more productive first week. Additionally, if they have questions about their new job or the company, the buddy system can help people to adapt quickly.

3. Make the New Technology Experience Interactive

Even though the new employee may have a lot of formal training on systems with other companies, the policies and procedures that apply to each organization can vary greatly. Or, there may be new technology that the new employee will be introduced to, and it may be a significant part of their responsibilities. In either case, one of the best ways to make this experience as friendly as possible is to incorporate interactive training to ensure the employee will be engaged from the beginning.

Furthermore, to make sure that you’re retaining the best talent that comes through your doors, it’s important that employees are educated quickly and given the necessary tools upfront (i.e. supplies, company policies, HR assistance) to perform their job effectively. By setting up the best training scenario possible, there’s no guesswork on their part and they’ll feel part of the team right away.