Many new hires question their decision to change companies by the end of their first day. Their anxieties are fueled by mistakes that companies often make during that first-day orientation program. There is no doubt that a company s positive first impressions can cement the deal for a newly recruited employee. Those positive strokes can also speed integration and productivity. Dr. John Sullivan, head of the Human Resource Management Program at San Francisco State University, concludes that several elements contribute to a World Class orientation program.
Most organizations are great at celebrating the departure of a beloved co-worker.
Think about arranging a party to welcome the new employee. Celebrations produce enthusiasm. Involve families in the celebration. Schedule a welcome luncheon or dinner for spouses and families during the employee s first month. Old-fashioned welcome wagons were once used to deliver goodies to new members of a community.