Ramp up employee faster in just 3 steps
There’s this silly clip on Instagram with a hamster running on a wheel. The hamster pauses to pull its young baby onto the wheel to run alongside her. The baby immediately tumbles and topples off. For any new employee who was thrust into work without training or proper onboarding, this might sound familiar.
It makes sense that organizations want their new hire to be up and running as quickly as possible, especially after spending considerable time and money to find them.
New employees also want to contribute at a high level right away. They just need the right support to be successful and not topple off the proverbial hamster wheel.
1. Connect them to peers and culture
Every organization has a unique culture and an informal hierarchy, with news zipping around water coolers and hallways. Your new employee knows none of it. Help them develop their network by introducing them to key people in the organization. One of the best things you can do is set them up with a mentor who can help immerse them in the culture and navigate the organization.
2. Provide a plan
Do you know what success looks like for your employee? What should they achieve in 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? Your new employee needs to know what your expectations are so they can achieve them. Work together to create a feasible 90-day plan with milestones and clear expectations.
3. Give them a voice
Establish communication guidelines with your employee and encourage feedback. Are you offering an open door, a set weekly meeting, or something else? It’s important to touch base with your new employee on a regular basis to make sure they understand what’s expected of them and that they have everything they need. Regular employee pulse surveys are another helpful way to get feedback and improve engagement.
