10 Tips on Successfully Transitioning A New Employee

The first week of employment is critical to transition your new employee into their new role. As an employer you will need to keep the following steps in mind to secure a successful transition.

1. Set Aside Time for Orientation

The first day and the first week is critical for transitioning an employee into their new role. Ensure you set aside time to orient the new employee into their new role. This orientation should take place on their first day throughout their first week.

2. Introduce to Staff Members

Introduce your new employee to staff members. Let your staff know this new employee is your choice for this position, and ask them to assist with this transition. 

3. Introduce Them to Their Work Space 

Their workspace is of crucial importance. It will consist of a counter, a cubicle or an office. It also includes work resources such a computer, software introduction, passwords, phone extensions, etc.

4. Explain Company Culture and Expectations

Have a conversation as to what your organization stands for including your mission, and purpose, company values, history, stories of success, and what is expected of this employee in the coming weeks.

5. Give Them Goals to Accomplish on the First Week

Although many companies desire their new employee to dive right into their job and start producing, it is better to set some attainable goals to accomplish on their first week. These goals can be as easy as becoming familiar with their new role, getting acquainted with the new software, office protocol and policy awareness, etc. 

6. Give Them Time to Develop a Routine

Getting a new employee into a regular routine will take a week or two. Be patient as they are learning to adjust to a new environment, building office relationships and getting to know your process systems, products, services and your clients.

7. Allow Them an Open Door Invitation to Ask Questions

Allow a new employee to ask questions by having an “open door” policy or access to someone who can guide and instruct them as they transition into their new role.

8. Be Patient as They Transition into Their New Role

Patience is a virtue for all leaders. It means you will be tested, and through this testing, you will need to endure the transitioning process. Some employees catch on quickly and others take a little longer. Eventually, your employee will find a work flow that please them and you. So be patient with the initial process.

9. Provide Encouragement and Feedback During Their Transition

It’s human nature for someone to know how they are doing. Ensure you are providing the tools and directives they need to succeed. Encouragement and feedback are two verbal queues required for providing the new employee information about their new role. In addition, allow the new employee to provide feedback without judgement.

10. An Employee Seeks Continuous Engagement and Grooming

Initial employee engagement begins with good coaching and continuous training provides the new employee to develop a leadership posture required to prosper. If you are looking for longevity in an employee and to keep your hiring to a minimum, provide them weekly articles, and 15 minute coaching tips on a daily basis on how to improve their leadership skills.

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Joel C. Garcia is CEO of THRIVN, a top staffing and recruiting agency with a focus on employee engagement, workforce development and client satisfaction, in Las Vegas, Nevada. THRIVN was recognized as one of the top five staffing agencies in Las Vegas by Find My Profession.

Joel has a proven track record for coaching high performance teams by empowering them to transform work cultures by exuding managerial excellence and utilizing components of a collaborative, innovative and strategic style of leadership. Joel earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in coaching and mentoring from Regent University.