Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t cost much to give new employees a quality welcome and it must be an integral part of the strategies for their attraction and retention. What are the conditions for success?
Many companies don’t give thought to onboarding of their new employees. “There are many who still view welcoming as very short term, like a formality or a waste of time,” says Sonia Tremblay, President and Managing Director of DOC Services Conseils et Formation.
A welcoming process is not a one-day matter. Its success is just as important for the company as for the employee. According to Sonia Tremblay, “it’s a continuum – retention is not automatic and depends on the quality of this welcome.” Creativity, independence, sense of priorities and employee profitability will depend on the quality of his integration.
“Pay attention”
A successful welcome is not limited to familiarizing the employee with his new duties. “Continuous interaction is essential,” explains the specialist. “The manager must foster intergenerational links, demonstrate leadership by transmitting the desire to welcome to the team. The key is to realize the major effect of the attention given to him.”
Four phases
- Preparation. “A notice with the new colleague’s first name and starting date is a mark of interest generally appreciated by the team, then by the interested party,” explains Sonia Tremblay. Then, prepare his employment contract, know who will support him, ensure that he or she is not missing anything.
- On D-Day, make a tour of the premises and meet the team. According to the expert, “It’s a good investment to just take a few minutes to converse with the new colleague.”
- The period for adjustment to the tasks then provides an opportunity to “check if the employee still has any misunderstandings, or if there is anything he is uncomfortable about that he has difficulty expressing himself about so soon.”
- Finally, long-term support ends when the worker’s development and sense of belonging can be seen, signs of successful integration.
Some resources
- The Guide to welcoming and integrating a new employee, designed by DOC Formation on behalf of Emploi-Québec (in French)
- The special file “Welcoming and integration“, available on the website of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (in French)
- The headings “Hiring and managing employees” in the “Business” section of the Government of Canada’s website.