3 Essential Things HR Should Accomplish on an Employee's First Day

This Aniday article presents three simple evaluation criteria to assess whether a company has created a welcoming environment for new employees. Implementing these steps not only reduces the apprehension felt by new employees in a new environment but also has the potential to enhance a positive impression of the company, thereby increasing the employer brand value!

Being Well-Prepared for a New Employee's First Day

Preparing for the arrival of new employees involves many important aspects, and ensuring their comfort and confidence from the first day is crucial. First, it is advisable to arrange their seating in advance to avoid unnecessary hassles. At the same time, being conscientious in preparing everything necessary for their work is also very important.

Furthermore, being conscientious should also involve helping new employees acclimate to the work environment. This not only creates favorable conditions for them to understand the company better but also helps them feel welcomed and more positive about their new job.

To assess the level of employee care, three basic checkpoints can be applied. If the company fails to meet these three points, it may be evident that employee perception is not being prioritized.

Finally, sharing this information with existing staff is also important. This helps minimize the new employees' uncertainty about the new work environment through small details, creating a positive connection from the very beginning.

Assisting newcomers in preparing their seating arrangements

In cases where a company lacks a human resources department, it is not uncommon for new arrivals to face situations where they cannot find a seat, or the seating area is messy, with the added inconvenience of others' belongings or even trash, particularly in drawers.

Meanwhile, if a company places a high importance on its employees, they will provide a clean working environment, even for temporary or external hires. Preparing a clean seating area is not just a basic necessity; it is also a way of expressing the company's expectations and respect for newcomers, creating a positive impression right from the initial contact and demonstrating the company's concern for their work experience.

Assisting newcomers in preparing necessary information and supplies

Here, the necessary information and supplies include the use of computers, accessing the company email (account), or permissions for other resources, as well as office supplies and hygiene items. Imagine starting a new job without any prior preparation, having to figure out everything on your own: asking how to access the email, inquiring about who to approach for a computer, and even finding out where to get hygiene products. Such situations create uncertainty and an inconvenient starting point.

I've heard that some businesses take steps to assist new hires, such as providing information and instructional materials, like a small handbook on using resources and services. The goal is to equip newcomers with enough information so they can independently explore and obtain necessary items without continuously asking basic questions.

In contrast to the situation I described earlier, in this case, businesses not only allow new hires to figure things out on their own but also support them by providing essential information, making them more proactive in adapting to the new work environment.

Assisting newcomers in getting acquainted with the environment

In the first working session, determining the location of restrooms can be a challenge, especially for newcomers. Some companies require employees to figure it out naturally, which can leave new hires feeling lost and unsure. Additionally, understanding the water cooler or nearby eateries is essential. If this information is not actively shared with newcomers, it can create a negative impression of the work environment.

Simultaneously, paying attention to other "outside work" aspects, such as dining areas near the company, is important. Without proactive introductions, newcomers may feel isolated and distant from their colleagues, potentially creating a negative impression of the business. The differentiation in treatment between middle-aged and senior employees not only affects the individual but also impacts the company's reputation.

There are three basic goals that many companies often overlook. These include training new hires from day one, clearly communicating company policies, benefits, and other essential information. This not only makes newcomers feel welcome but also demonstrates the company's commitment to employee development. While it may be a formal process, at the very least, it lets new hires know that the company has invested resources and cares about their integration, something many other companies might completely overlook.

Hope this article from Aniday is helpful to you!