Welcome their fresh perspective
New hires bring new eyes to existing projects and old processes, which makes them extremely valuable to innovation. Not only will you benefit from their fresh ideas, but their rethinking will also likely help spark more lightbulb moments from the entire team. So try to be intentional about asking new employees to give their input and suggestions on current projects. Even if they’re not actionable at the moment, those same ideas might contribute to future projects, and at the very least, asking for their perspective and feedback lets new team members know that their opinions matter.
Start small to build confidence
Those who experience success early in a role are more likely to sustain motivation. And employees who receive recognition for those successes are twice as likely to feel inspired and stay at their jobs for the next twelve months, according to The New Rules of Engagement. So, when new members join your team, start by giving them short-term projects that play to their strengths, assigning manageable tasks that allow them to see tangible results quickly – whether by asking them to lead a small project or contribute to a specific part of a larger one. Regardless, creating opportunities for new employees to have early successes will establish a feeling of accomplishment and build a foundation for them to take on more complex projects over time as they continue to gain confidence.
Encourage ownership with guidance
Employees who have autonomy over their work are more productive, according to McKinsey. That said, for new joiners, it’s important to safeguard that autonomy with some guardrails to avoid putting too much pressure on them from the get-go. Try to lay out goals and parameters before stepping back to ensure a solid understanding of their tasks and boundaries, and make yourself available for support along the way. Planning check-ins and making yourself accessible for feedback will give them the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.
Provide thoughtful feedback
As mentioned, new hires are full of great ideas, but sometimes their suggestions don't align with the company's current objectives. Be careful not to discourage your employee by shooting down their ideas; instead, use these moments as an opportunity to bring them up to speed and shape their future thinking. Respond to their suggestion by acknowledging the thoughtful creativity that went into it, while offering tactful and clear reasons for why it may not be right at that moment. Or maybe their idea won't work for a specific project but can be refocused on a different project. Providing constructive feedback will help your new employee feel heard and also build on their creativity.
Direct them to the right resources
Entering a new work environment can be overwhelming, especially if you work at a highly matrixed organization. That's why connecting new employees with an experienced team member can make such a difference. Think about pairing your new joiners with mentors who can give them insights into company culture, workflows, insights, and best practices. This "buddy system" will help new employees get up to speed faster while strengthening team bonds in the process. Also, be sure to share relevant physical resources, such as strategies, style guides, org charts, and mission statements, and to direct your new hires to subject matter experts they should go to for specific reasons.
Celebrate early milestones
Celebrating your new hire's early achievements can reinforce positive feelings about working at your company and enhance their enthusiasm, which can have valuable ripple effect across your entire team. 81% of employees will work harder if they feel appreciated, according to Glassdoor, which highlights the real power recognition has on motivation. Consider publicly acknowledging your new employee’s early contributions during team meetings or all-hands to ensure they know that they are making an impact – and that others are noticing.
