Thrown Into Training

Author’s Note:  I thought that the Switch to Digital TV series would be more interesting and fun to write – but it wasn’t.  So I’m ditching it and moving on.

What part of your new hire orientation do you think is the most important
?  Is it the tour?  The computer training? The story of how the company was founded?

Here is what I have found to be  important:

1.  Greeting.  The reception that your new employees receive the minute that they walk in on their first day. This includes being greeted by receptionists.  Give your receptionists a list of who is to be starting that day and have them greet each person by name and give a warm welcome.

2.  Supplies.  I would provide each new hire with a small pad of paper, two pens, and a highlighter.  They thought this was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  They would tell me that other places NEVER did this. Ummm, you’re going to be training these people – how are they supposed to write and take notes?

3.  Namecards.  I did tents with their names printed on both the front and back of the card.  This was so that I could keep track of their names and so could their fellow new hires.  And, the reason for putting it on both sides was that so people sitting behind other people would remember the names as well.

4.  Mug or cup.  Your new hires will need a mug or a cup – they may not have the money to use the vending machine (in this economy, this is a reality).

While they are in Orientation, your new employees are guests of the company.  Paid guests, but guests, nonetheless.