Everyone has had the experience of being new to a company and a position, having to get situated and learn the ropes as they go. While this can be a very sink or swim process for many, there are a number of steps that employers should take to make sure that this initial time of uncertainty can be handled smoothly. What is more, given the time and resources that have surely been exhausted in the executive search and hiring processes, ensuring that new employees can get what they need and get to work as quickly and efficiently as possible should certainly be a priority, and it would surely therefore be in the best interest of organizations to make sure that the individuals they select have every opportunity to be as successful as possible in their new positions.
So, building on the previous three guidelines, here are three more executive search firm tips on mistakes to be avoided in a new employee’s first days as in order to make this transition painless and effective.
4. No Goals, Nowhere to Go
Having goals to strive for is a fundamental component of every successful company, team, and employee. New employees are no different. Most companies try not to set goals for their new employees right away, instead electing to spend this time focused on training and orientation. However, giving these new hires something to focus on and strive for from day one, at least small work related goals which can be met on a day to day basis, can help to break up the daily monotony of the orientation process as well as providing the individual with a sense of accomplishment each day and allowing them to transition more smoothly into work once orientation is complete.
5. Delays
All too often new hires will find their orientation and training being put on hold and their work being delayed as the company struggles to balance these duties with the commitments of those whose job it is to carry out these processes, as, understandably, they have other necessary obligations as well. This sends a bad message to the new employee however, demonstrating a lack of efficiency as well as a lack of caring when it comes to performance and goals.
6. Being Too Lenient
While it is always good to let employees find their own way of doing things, particularly in hopes that they will find a more effective and efficient way of carrying out their duties, in the early days of a new employee it is best that these individuals be made to do things in accordance with the current procedures. In short, it is important that new employees know how things work before they begin making changes to the system.
7. Talking Too Openly About Promotion
Another frequent mistake made by employers is to start talking far too early about future opportunities for advancement and promotion. One thing that new hires need to understand right away is that promotion is a reward, not something to be given lightly. Instead, by making this distinction clear and providing new employees with all the resources necessary to achieve success, companies can drive these individuals to work hard and meet their goals with future advancement in mind.
Published by Conselium Executive Search, the global leader in compliance search.
