Small Business Ideas: Adjusting to new employees

Monday, 3 March 2008

Adjusting to new employees

At the moment we have an extra 2 kids staying with us for an extended period. It reminded me of what it is like when a new employee joins your team.

From your side

You have new people to learn about and get to know their interests and preferences - this takes time and can't be rushed (even if you want to!).
They may or may not do things the same way you do them. If things must be done the same way you need to explain not only what to do but how they should be done.
Some new employees will be tidier/messier than you are used to. This can cause tension unless you have an honest conversation about it.
You need to explain the rules of the building and any particular quirks you have in relation to being interrupted while you are working.
It takes a while for routine to be re-established. Generally you will not be as productive in the first few weeks while a new employee learns the ropes - factor that into your timetable for the first few weeks.

From their side

The majority of new employees really want things to go smoothly - they want to do the right thing and do everything "right".
They are learning about you as much as you are learning about them - except they are out of their comfort zone. You may get some interesting stress reactions from them as they are learning.

Overall - you need to be open and honest in your communication with new employees. Don't let things slide - deal with them now before the problems explode down the track.

Of course a formal induction is essential. But no amount of induction will deal with the small things like a new employee not covering their food in the microwave or not washing up their coffee cups if that is what everyone else does. That takes straight talking conversation to deal with.

Until next time

Ingrid Cliff
Heart Harmony

Labels: employee inductions, new employees