I don't care if you are new, I'm busy.

Due to no fault of our own, we, in the world of business can ‘come across’ not as enthusiastic as maybe we could be when a new hire starts in the office. Subconsciously, we can be so wrapped up in our own work priorities and endless diary deadlines to take the time to make sure the newbie feels comfortable and settled within their new environment.

1)     It’s not my job…

Put yourself in their position. Starting a new role is nerve-racking. Not knowing anyone in an alien environment is genuinely quite frightening. You can make their early experience easier by simply making them feel welcome. As little as a smile and a ‘hi’ can settle anxieties.  

 2)     What’s in it for me?? This person could be a threat!

When a junior colleague starts sometimes we close our eyes and think please don’t start with the endless questions and queries, guilty? It’s not that you’re an utter crank it’s just you have several client calls and presentations to get done before lunch. Even senior people will have questions about the CRM, or processes.

If they are Senior, why would you help the ‘enemy’? You need to out-bill them. The truth is that good people, competition, makes us better. You can and should learn from other people, no matter how experienced you are, the better they are, the more to learn.

3)       I already have a work BFF

It really is the dream. Having that soul-sister or bromance, your working days are bliss. Keeping yourself isolated to one person or being in a ‘clique’ is not mentally healthy. In a professional environment you must be outside of your comfort zone and understand that the place of work is not about seclusion. It is about mixing. About encouraging relationships with everyone in the office. Granted you will naturally feel more comfortable with some than others. However, as we all know in business we are challenged constantly with clients or candidates that we may not typically choose to work or socialise with daily. We work in a very communicative industry, you need to have and work on skills that build rapports and manage relationships – what better way to put these into practice than with your new colleague.

4)     People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!

That wise coined saying isn’t famous for nothing. The more welcoming you are, the more interest you take in people and their lives, the more they will be interested in learning from you - creating solid team unity and creating an awesome environment that results in a happier work place, high productivity levels, low retention and growth.

5)     Invite them out for a drink

I am not saying take the fresh talent out on a heavy Thursday, showing up late and hungover the next say is not going to go down well. But, a few drinks, or a mug of coffee, outside of work hours (where you are ‘forced’ to spend time together) will really help strike up a connection and build a bond.