How to welcome a new employee in the best way

Hey guys it's Alicia here with new ideas! 👀 Today we're going to look at how to welcome a new employee in your company. In this article we'll look at 4 things you can do to welcome a new colleague.

Key points

Introduction

Welcoming a new employee is much more than a simple administrative formality. It's an opportunity to give a positive first impression of the company, to facilitate their integration and to lay the foundations for a successful collaboration.

In this article, we'll explore the best practices for welcoming a new employee, including creating a checklist, organising a team lunch and the importance of a personalised Welcome Pack.

1. Create a welcome checklist

Onboarding a new employee can be simplified with a well thought-out checklist. Not only does this ensure that nothing is forgotten, it also gives the employee a clear overview of the different stages in their onboarding. 

Here are a few examples of items to include:

• Company presentation: Who are we? What do we do? What are our values?
• Meeting the teams: Organise a tour of the offices (physical or virtual) to introduce colleagues and the main departments.
• Training on internal tools: Presentation of software and work tools specific to the company (project management, internal communication, etc.).
• Appointment of a mentor: To help the new employee feel supported, appoint a member of the team to act as a mentor during the first few weeks.
• Familiarise them with current projects: Explain the company's key projects and missions so that they quickly understand their role and the impact of their work.

This checklist can be customised to suit the specifics of your sector and the size of the company. It's also an excellent way of ensuring that the new employee can tick off each step, reinforcing their sense of progression and integration.

2. Organise a first lunch

One of the most effective ways of forging links between colleagues is to spend a convivial moment over a meal. For SMEs, organising a first team or company lunch is an excellent idea for breaking the ice and giving new colleagues a warm welcome.

Whether it's an informal lunch in a restaurant, an office buffet or even an outdoor picnic, the important thing is to create a moment where everyone can chat, ask questions and get to know their colleagues better.

3. Offer an unforgettable Welcome Pack

There's nothing like a welcome gift to make people happy and mark the arrival of a new employee. A Welcome Pack is a simple and effective way of showing you care and creating a positive first contact with your brand.

Here are a few ideas for personalised items that could be included in this pack:

• A personalised water bottle with the company logo
• A personalised tote bag, handy for carrying documents or personal belongings
• A personalised mug for office coffee breaks.
• Homemade biscuits or a selection of teas for a sweet treat during your break. Personally, I love Betty & Albert snacks, you just can't stop.
• A personalised notebook or diary for employees to take notes during their first meetings.
• Stickers or pins with the company logo, perfect for personalising a computer or workspace.

This welcome pack doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be designed to give the employee a pleasant and professional first impression of the company. It's also a way of reinforcing your brand's visual identity with your employees.

4. Set up a feedback system

Integration doesn't end with the first week on the job. It is essential to gather feedback from new employees to find out how they are feeling and how onboarding could be improved. 

Putting in place a questionnaire after one month, for example, can help you identify areas for improvement in your induction process.

In addition, organising regular check-ins with the manager allows you to monitor the induction and respond quickly to any needs or concerns the new employee may have.

5. Create a gradual integration programme

Finally, to ensure a successful integration, it is important not to overload the new arrival from the very first days. Give them time to get to know their new surroundings and settle in. 

A gradual induction programme, over several days, allows the employee to gradually immerse themselves in the company culture, tools and projects without stress.

Example of an induction programme:

• Welcome, training in the tools, introduction to the teams.
• First projects and tasks under the supervision of the mentor.
• Follow-up meeting with the manager and discussion of objectives.
• First autonomy on main tasks and feedback from mentor.

Conclusion

Welcoming a new employee in the best possible way requires preparation and attention. Thanks to a clear checklist, convivial moments such as a team lunch, and a well thought-out welcome pack, you can be sure of making an unforgettable first impression.

The new employee will quickly feel integrated and ready to contribute to the company's success. Good onboarding is an investment that not only ensures faster integration, but also better retention of your talent.

So why not add your personal touch by printing personalised items that reflect the unique spirit of your company? From tote bags to water bottles and mugs, Inkoo can help you create a memorable onboarding experience!