Onboarding Tips for New Grads Entering Your Workplace

New graduates entering the workforce could use some help in making their transition from the academic world. That starts with your organization being clear about its expectations for employees.

“Lay out expectations early and often [around] what’s expected of them when it comes to cultural norms,” said Shayna Royal, director of talent acquisition at Cincinnati-based HR software provider Paycor. That includes things managers may assume that new employees know. For example, when are employees expected to use Slack instead of email?

Spelling out expectations in an employee handbook can be helpful, although norms could vary by department. Paycor’s handbook includes Zoom etiquette, such as:

• Zoom call backdrops. Is it OK to use them, and if so, what is and is not considered work-appropriate?
• Punctuality. How early are employees expected to log in to calls?
• Camera use. For new employees especially, appearing on camera is important in building their brand and establishing relationships, Royal pointed out.

“It helps people connect as actual people and not [appear] just a blank screen and a voice,” she said.

• Minimizing distractions, such as roommates or a pet making a sudden appearance during a business call.

Afraid of a Misstep

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