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Employer Brand: 10 Things Every New Starter Needs
We all know how it is. That rush of nerves on the first day of a new job. Even the most confident of us falter when it comes to stepping into the office on the first day! So how can you make it easier and give that new starter everything they need to make the first day go well? We’ve put together a list: Notepad and pen It’s a basic but a good one and something you should give them as soon as they are shown their desk. It can really help make someone feel comfortable to have somewhere they can make notes or write lists of things they need to know about the office. A handwritten welcome note or card Depending on the size of your company this could be anything from a card signed by everyone in the office to a handwritten note from their manager or the CEO welcoming them to the business. Access to perks Ok, so the first day is a bit overwhelming and at times they may even wonder why they signed up to this so give them access and explain the perks system. This is a great motivator and reminds your newbie why they wanted to join you. At Swanstaff we use the Perkbox app and explain it as part of our induction so people know about it and can use it. The tools to do their job Whether it’s a phone, a laptop, a uniform or business cards it is best to have these ready for the day the person starts to help them settle in quickly and feel comfortable. Comprehensive induction There is nothing worse than getting to a new company and not being able to understand the various aspects of the business. Here at Swanstaff, we have a full induction for new staff which includes a video introduction to the company, PowerPoint presentations about what it is like to work here, a welcome to the business and segments from managers of each department, explaining what they do and how it will relate to the new starters role. A first-week buddy Choose someone the person will be working with or near to guide them and answer any questions. This can be anything from how to work the printer or kettle to where to find the stationary. An office tour This should be something their buddy should do when they first get in. Showing the new starter where everything is will not only be a great way to make them more relaxed and comfortable but it will also allow you to introduce them personally to people as they go around the office. Make their first lunchtime good Whether this is taking them out to lunch or eating lunch with them to chat, make it special. We take our new starters out for lunch and use it as an opportunity for them to meet people in the other areas of the company. Send an email or announce their arrival This may not be the most fun part for a new starter if they are quite introverted but it is good to announce them and introduce them to the team so they can be made to feel welcome. At Swanstaff, we send an email around and encourage responses welcoming them to the company. Schedule an end of the day and end of the week meeting It can be really helpful to a new starter to be able to meet with their line manager for a few minutes at the end of their first day so they can ask any questions that may have come up and speak to them about how they feel their first day has gone. Another can be set for the end of the first week to see how they are finding things and if there is anything they need. Once your new starter is settled in, we're sure you will want to keep them happy and smiling. If you need ideas, then check out our blog on the 10 ways we made our employees smile this week! Are you looking to hire a staffing agency? Please fill the form given below and we will be in touch soon. Form ID:5382
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4 productive things to do on your commute to work
Your daily commute does not have to be the most boring part of your day. With a bit of strategic planning you can use your commuting time to recharge and boost productivity. Here are some good examples of how you could spend your commuting time to ensure a more productive day. #1 – Pump up and wind down The morning commute is the perfect opportunity to get into a good mood and energised for the day ahead to make sure you start the day with the right attitude. This can be done by listening to upbeat music through headphones or any music that sends your mood rocketing. You can also do this by light exercising – I.E. cycle or walk to work – exercise releases endorphins that trigger positive feelings in the body and is great for maintaining good Mental Health. Winding down on your commute home is also essential. This is especially true if you have had a long and stressful day. Winding down can be done by listening to calming music, downloading calm and wellbeing apps, reading a book or listening to an audio book, playing a game on your phone or simply having a conversation with someone. #2 – Check voice mails and get ahead of emails If you’re not driving or in control of a vehicle – it can be productive to get ahead and check any emails that may have come through after you left work the previous evening. Also, make sure you check any voice mails from phone calls you may have missed. Getting ahead of these can ensure you are fully focused on your work today. #3 – Create a to-do list By using your commuting time to create a to-do list, you are creating more time to actually complete the tasks once you arrive at work (because you don’t have to waste 10-15 minutes writing down what you need to do). On your commute, you can sit and think about what there is to do today and what should be prioritised. This sets you up for an organised and productive day. Writing a to do list is also a great way to manage stress as you’ll feel more prepared and in control of your working day. #4 – Actually switch off Using your commuting time to actually switch off can be very beneficial. Your commute doesn’t have to be full of brain teasers and work emails. Sometimes, in order to recharge you just need to rest and do nothing. Not only will doing this make you more relaxed and calm – it will also mean you will go into work with enough energy to start the day. You may choose to practise mindfulness techniques to make the most of your downtime. Are you tired of completing the same commute day in day out? Take a look at our job page here to see how we could help with that!
