WILLIAM W. HARWOOD Founding partner, New Level Partners
Welcome new employees into your agency An orientation plan is essential
Good news! You found a talented candidate who will be a terrific fit for your agency. The offer has been accepted and the new hire will show up in two weeks.
traced back to the first day on that job. Here is a sample of what we have been told:
Then, it hits you: You don’t have a desk for the person; and you will be out of the office and your in-house subject-matter expert is swamped. Suddenly, the good news begins to wane and you feel like an awful lot of work is ahead of you to prepare this new candidate for job readiness. However, with smart planning and ongoing communication, it will all get done.
• “They forgot I was coming that day.”
Let’s face it—an immediate positive impression will go miles. Just as you strive to create the right first impression with your clients, the same respect needs to be displayed to your new hires. This article will outline ideas for creating a smooth orientation and transition plan for new employees. Get everyone in your agency involved in creating a welcoming culture to everyone who joins your agency—regardless of position. It’s cause for celebration! Interestingly, interviews with employees who decide to leave a job reveal that their first sense of regret can be
• “I had nowhere to sit.” • “I showed up; no one knew I was starting that day and they left me in the waiting area for 30 minutes.” • “I thought it was just the first day—but they are always like this around here—unorganized.”
Prior to start date This candidate will soon become your new team member and employee. A smooth assimilation will enable you to continue your firm’s productivity and create a positive impact and impression. We always recommend connecting two to three times prior to the individual’s start date. Once the offer is accepted, you want to make sure that the candidate submitted a resignation to his or her current job, and that the employee is committed to the start date you discussed. In many cases, a candidate
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