“I Love My Job”! First Day of Work Tips and Tricks for Employers
An employee’s first day at work is likely going to be a mix of very different emotions. Excitement because they’re starting a new chapter in their life, anxiety because they’re not quite sure what to expect, and a dash of stress to round things off, because (hopefully) they’ll want to leave the best first impression possible on their employer and their new colleagues. I learnt what not to do years ago, when in my first day in a new job, the induction was so poorly planned and executed, I spent the first hour contemplating how they got the big meeting table through the door!
I recently heard a cracker ‘first day of work’ story which caused the employer to re-think how they engaged new employees. On this medical employee’s first day of work, the Operating Manager emailed a message to the team saying that looking ahead that week, Friday would be a “Disney theme” (aka sugar coating what would ordinarily be a frenetic day). Being the proper Disney adult that the new female employee was, and in an attempt to fit into the team culture, she had her Mary Poppins costume ready to go. She marched into the medical clinic, head held high, heart full of whimsy, to see the whole staff wearing business casual attire. The new employee was highly embarrassed and managed to ditch her hat and the umbrella, leaving her in an Edwardian blouse with a red bow tie and black skirt. She spent her day working in the medical clinic looking like a catering waitress..... an Edwardian catering waitress, but a waitress nonetheless.
Imparting a good culture to an incoming employee and walking them through company expectations (such as a Code of Conduct) is important so they know what to expect. Aim to keep the new recruit excited and as informed as possible. Arrange an informal catch up before they start so you can go over practical information such as dress code or what they need to bring with them on their first day. Providing a ‘newbie’ with a welcome pack containing helpful information can be a great way to leave a lasting impression. You can reduce the amount of paperwork they will need to do on their first day by giving them some of the important documents early.
In another ‘first day of work’ story, a committed truck driver arrived at his new workplace early to attend an induction with his new boss. He had the remnants of a cold, so the Office Manager offered him a vitamin C packet for some relief from his remaining mild symptoms. The Office Manager assumed the driver knew what to do with the contents, which was drop the tablet in a cup of hot water and watch it dissolve before drinking. One should never assume people know what you know. The driver put the tablet in his mouth and drank a warm cup of water, leaving it to dissolve and profusely pour foam out of his mouth, and all over the Office Manager, the desk and floor, like he had a case of rabies. This broke the ice, the entire transport office laughed, the embarrassed driver took it in good humour and it was a staple of the office team to refer to the driver in future as “the atomic blonde”.
EMPLOYER TAKE-AWAYS
These workplace stories are a timely reminder that you want to provide your new employee(s) a great experience when they join your company. A great first impression and experience often leads to job satisfaction, loyalty, and longevity with the company.
For your own workplace, consider:
You want your new employee to succeed, so a thorough onboarding process will benefit both parties.
Before commencing work, ensure the ‘newbie’ has signed and returned their employment agreement (for completeness and to ensure the trial period clause can be relied on if necessary).
Ensure the new employee has all the tools they need e.g. phone, PC or laptop (if office-based), stationery, truck toolbox (if they are a truck driver), tools of the trade (if they are a builder) etc.
Ensure they have the knowledge and experience to do the job without hurting themselves or anyone else and if they don’t, ensure they’re supervised by someone more experienced while they learn.
On the employee’s first day:
Confirm start and finish times.
Agree the timing and duration of rest and meal breaks if not in the employment agreement.
Let them know who to contact if they’re sick or if there’s an emergency.
Talk with them about any rules or policies that will apply to them.
Provide a health and safety briefing, including supplying them with any safety equipment and training them in its use.
The company’s evacuation plan.
Any hazards in the workplace.
You could also help new employees feel welcome by:
Introducing them to other team members.
Assigning a workplace buddy to help them find everything they need.
Arranging a team morning tea or BBQ lunch to get to know them.
Checking in on them throughout the week.
Don’t expect too much in the first week, this should be focused on making connections and learning the basics.
For assistance in recruitment and/or engaging employees in your workplace, or should you be seeking other HR or Health & Safety advice, get in touch with a member of the SBS Team. Freephone 0508 424 723 or visit www.safebusiness.co.nz