How to Make a New Employee Feel Welcome

Starting a new job can be a stressful time for some people.The stress can be lessened to a great extent by other staff members. There are a number of things one can do to make a new employee feel welcome.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• kindness
• patience
• a few dollars(optional)

1. We have all, at some time in our careers, been the new employee. Put yourself in those shoes again. Remember what is was like to ask so many questions in such a short amount of time. Recall what it was like to have to watch and listen to everyone around you for hours on end.

2. Befriend the new employee. Show them around the workplace, introduce them to other employees.Let them know some stories about your first week on the job. Let your empathy for this stressful time shine through the conversation.

3. 

   Ask the new employee to join you for lunch sometime in this first week. If treating for lunch is not in your budget, pick up a cup of coffee or tea for the new employee. Small gestures such as these go a very long way in the eyes of the new employee.

4. 

   Do your best to be a resource for the new employee. Answer questions, show examples and be a good listener. If you cannot answer a question, find someone who can.

Tips & Warnings

• Be genuine in your acts of kindness. Nothing is more unkind than a fake attempt at being helpful.
• Being kind to a new employee doesn't mean you have to be best friends. A positive co worker benefits the whole team.
• Don't force yourself on someone who is an introvert. For some people this can just add more stress to their first week on the job.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/20/2009 Thanks for the great tips. 5* RRRC

[askpisces]

on 1/15/2009 oh yes I always hated being the new girl! Great Advice

[mflinn]

on 1/14/2009 Great article! We should all remember these things. It's hard to be new at a job site.

[ginafur]

on 1/14/2009 These are such great tips. Many times, new employees are the outcast. Thanks for bringing home such a good point that we should help, not be a stumbling block to them.