How To Welcome A New Employee To The Team

Overall, we’re pretty terrible at hiring.

Not you per se, but collectively, in the “business” world, we’re pretty bad at finding and welcoming new people.

Despite mountains of evidence of their ineffectiveness, most companies still utilize unstructured interviews run by just the management class to make hiring decisions. Onboarding is no better.

Most employees are welcomed (in the hands of a well-meaning but legally obligated human resources department) to their new company with reams of compliance manuals and auto-playing slide decks designed not to show them the ropes but to impose the rules on them.

A Better Way to Welcome New Hires

Here’s a better way to welcome a new employee to the team—one that dramatically increases both the employee’s engagement and the willingness of new team members to engage.

My friends Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy recently published their great book, No Hard Feelings—which is all about the role of emotions in the workplace. In that book, tucked away almost as an aside, Mollie West Duffy shared how her former employees (IDEO’s San Francisco office) welcomed her with what they called an “enterview” (a portmanteau of “enter” and “interview).

The “Enterview” 

Everyone who had interviewed her during the process (and in my book Under New Management, I outline why it MUST be more than just a manager or two interviewing candidates) shared with her why they are excited for her to join the team. 

They shared about her interview or the background they uncovered during the hiring process, which they now look forward to adding to the team. IDEO managers collected all of that feedback and wrote it on a fold-out card with a heading at the top:

“Dear Mollie, we think you’re kind of a big deal, and here’s why…”

You don’t have to write it on a card. You could cover their desk in Post-it notes with the same comments. You could collect the responses and send them out as a companywide email. 

You could even take the employee and those interviewers out to lunch, go around the table, and have them share their excitement in person.

Why the “Enterview” Works

What works so well about the “enterview” is two-fold. The first is that it nearly overwhelms the new hire with welcome wishes, which makes a fantastic first day at work. 

The second is that the new hire and her new coworkers get a preview of the strengths and unique skills she brings to the table. Like watching a movie trailer, the entire company (or at least future close coworkers) gets a sneak peek of what’s going to be so awesome about working with this new teammate.

It doesn’t just excite the new hire; it excites everyone and lets everyone know what this new coworker has to offer. It welcomes a new employee and also welcomes future collaboration.

Personalize the Onboarding Experience

One of the most effective ways to onboard a new employee is to personalize the experience. Personalization begins when you make the first point of contact with the employee.

It may be when you say the first greeting, give them the materials, or introduce them to the job. When you make them feel welcomed by talking about their specific skills or traits positively, they will feel more confident and feel a sense of belonging there.

Whatever background they have or skills or experience they come with, they will be given projects or work that aligns with their knowledge and passion 

So, instead of relying on traditional manuals or slides, give personalized introductions. You can also follow a buddy or mentor system so the new employees have someone to whom they can turn for guidance.

It will make the environment more comfortable for them and put them at ease in asking questions. In this way, they will feel more engaged with your company and strengthen your bond with them. 

It’s like a thoughtful onboarding experience that will increase retention rates and strengthen employees’ commitment to the company’s mission, values, and vision.

Team Introductions

Help the new employees form immediate connections so they do not feel isolated or disconnected. This will make them feel more welcome and part of the culture.

Whether it’s with their colleagues, supervisors, bosses, or peers, help them connect. Start with team introductions on the first day and organize casual meet and greet sessions where they can meet team members in an informal setting.

Again, coming down to the ‘enterview approach,’ send out best wishes to the new hire from the entire team. Everyone will feel connected, and the new hire will feel more at ease and get to know everyone sooner.

Wrap Up

Remember, when you welcome a new employee, you don’t just have to give them a file, a desk, and a badge with their job position.

Make them feel welcome if you want them to succeed and be with you in the long run. Let them review their role in the big picture; the best way to do that is the ‘enterview’. 

It’s a thoughtful welcome that will help create excitement and engagement and give the new employees a sense of belonging in your organization from the first day they walk in.