Jumpstart Your New Hires
Growing companies often face the challenge of integrating multiple new hires without compromising productivity. Matt Kombargi, Senior Disbursement Manager for OSI, the parent company for several expanding restaurant chains, contends that “learning what you’re supposed to do makes you feel more comfortable,” and the more comfortable you feel, the more quickly you become productive. He offers several strategies to help new team members adopt work routines quickly and efficiently.
Pay attention to personalities: Determining the personality type you’re dealing with may go a long way to ensuring a smooth transition. For example, Kombargi recalls bringing on a talented but shy IT employee. To help the new hire adjust quickly, Kombargi paired him with a veteran staff member who could offer guidance and support. The strategy worked well, and the new IT team member began producing quickly.
Begin at the beginning: Orient new hires as soon as they start. OSI employees attend a full-day orientation when they’re hired. They learn about the company culture, meet other new staff and interact with trainers. The orientation involves exercises and activities designed to create a team and make new employees feel comfortable. Trainers even take the new hires to lunch.
Make new staff feel welcome: At OSI’s quarterly meetings, pictures of new hires are put up with a “Welcome Aboard” sign that everyone sees. This gives existing staff the opportunity to identify and personally welcome new team members.
Provide ongoing support: Just because the initial transition is bridged doesn’t mean that new hires are completely comfortable and producing. Consider ongoing training programs or the establishment of a training team that takes new employees under its wing. That way, when the inevitable bumps occur, the new team member will have the resources and support to solve the problem and focus on work.
Carefully structure hiring offers: Kombargi believes that the initial hiring offer and how it’s structured play key roles in determining how quickly an employee becomes comfortable and productive. For example, OSI wants employees to feel like part of the family from the first day. So benefits kick in when the new hire starts working. That way, new team members can focus their efforts on work. |
