Say hello, wave goodbye

Yes, a classic Soft Cell track (not a Swiftie one) that some of you (those born around my time) will remember. The thought of it inspired me to write a short post about employee arrivals and departures (very apt with Summer journeys through airports imminent).

We put a lot of effort in, as employers, attracting talent.? The recruitment process can be lengthy, arduous, rigorous! Once you have landed that individual, it’s not time to sit back and relax though.? Not if you’re smart. Thankfully many forward-looking employers are exactly that – and acknowledge how important it is to ensure day 1 (for that valued new member of the team) has the proper feelgood factor. (Why squander the hard work in recruiting them by not welcoming them in a way that will create instant connection and happiness).

It's not enough to ensure their laptop and email address is ready for use, they have the health and safety walkabout, they get their induction presentation from HR. It’s about making them brand advocates from day 1 by showing the love.

Welcome packs are becoming more and more common – regularly including functional branded items (such as chargers or headphones) as well as practical items (such as water bottles and lunch boxes) through to wellness items (such as plants and handcreams). For the best amongst our clients, they’ll be lovingly selected to reflect the values the organization wants to communicate with New Employee No 1 and their CSR (by choosing environmentally friendly items and packaging). And, again, the very best of ORB clients in this area, separate starter packs by employee type and experience – after all the graduate pack allows you to have a bit more fun! (branded Pot Noodles anyone?).

But how you exit staff really matters too. I’ve long advocated you should be grateful for an employee whether they stay 6 months or 6 years – but, independent of tenure – you want them to look back positively about their moving on to pastures new (in the same way they felt that first day they arrived at the office).?

Exit packs – to wish them a fond farewell and good wishes – is again where the real forward-thinking employers can excel. After all those members of staff can be positive brand ambassadors for you wherever they go, potentially referring staff to you as a reflection of their great experience and, as a minimum, giving you positive reviews online and through word of mouth.

We are nothing without our people. And it takes an enormous amount of energy to get your people strategy (attraction, retention and advocacy) right. But think of it on a human level. We all like to get something unexpected that shows someone cares about us.

To quote another 80s classic in finishing… you do it well and those staff (staying or going) will say that, as an employer, you’ve got the right stuff.

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