For new employees, it is very difficult to get involved in a new environment on their first day. As they not only feel unfamiliar with the new company environment, but also, they need time to build a personal network.
Of course, it’s necessary for leaders to do research and listen to what challenges new employees are facing in a new work environment.
If the company ignores the new employees’ difficulties, the most likely scenario is to give them a bad first impression and even make them want to leave.
Table of Contents
What do newcomers concern about?
- What is the company’s office culture? A lack of work culture in the workplace can make the work atmosphere becomes excessively quiet and boring. Also, making new employees’ work unpleasant. The most likely effect is on their productivity.
- Where will I sit nearby? They might be worried about being near the toilet, but they don’t know if they should apply for an adjustment.
A floor plan is a perfect solution for them to get used to the office set-up.
- What office supplies are available for my use? The lack of resources in the office is a problem. As a newcomer, they think that they are supposed not to be able to initiate a request to add configurations.
- Is there any software that I am familiar with? If they have never worked in a technology company before, they might have a lot of questions about the company’s software. Sometimes, the experienced also might not have the time to support them.
Then, what the new employees need most is to be provided with software that is familiar and easy to use.
Some office software can be fully integrated with this generally used software such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, etc., which do not need newcomers to learn all the new features in different platforms and shorten the settle-down period.
- Are there any company events that I can attend? Newcomers are eager to get to know each other and build relationships with colleagues by attending events as they think this will make their jobs go smoother.
Some companies offer employees Microsoft Viva, whose learning feature provides classes that allow all colleagues to learn and chat together.
Also, scheduling software can easily notify them via email and provide a full meeting schedule for them to easily know what is happening in the office.
- Who should I ask if I want to borrow equipment? Generally, new employees do not know where the equipment is stored on the first day. At this moment, they might need a floor plan to show where the equipment is located, or find someone to answer their questions.
- Where should I have lunch? Some companies do not provide a canteen for their employees, so new employees will wonder where to have lunch.
- Are there any work guidelines? Many managers usually use verbal instructions to direct new employees on what to do. In fact, this is very vague and dangerous. Because it can easily confuse and stress the new employees.
What are the solutions then?
To solve the above problems, we must use appropriate methods. First, we need to understand the mindset of employees.
New employees often feel shy and pressured by unfamiliar environments. When they encounter problems, they will not ask questions until a bad situation occurs.
There are some measures and systems to help you solve the issues.
Create a comfort zone: This place allows all the staff to chat and hold parties, which helps them to get closer and build a company culture. Also, it allows holding a welcome party for the new employees, which makes it easy to get involved on their first day.
Encourage new employees to speak up more: Supervisors can take the initiative to encourage new employees to say more about their feelings and give them the appropriate support. Then, they have the courage to express themselves.
Provide shared resources: Many companies are willing to create a co-working space because the resources in the space are shared, allowing all employees to use the equipment themselves. Then, this can solve the embarrassment of new employees who are afraid to ask questions.
Introduce easy-to-use software: Most employees are not new to Microsoft products. So, every company should provide new employees with Microsoft Office 365 or Outlook, which facilitates them to work and communicate with others in real time.
Use virtual tools to promote virtual events: Management can use email to notify all employees when a virtual event will be held. When the event is held, new employees can participate in the event via the virtual tool.
Of course, this also allows new remote workers to participate. Microsoft Teams is a good virtual meeting tool for your company.
Provide floor displays: Floor displays indicate the number and location of available facilities for new employees and allow them to make reservations immediately, so they don’t need the help of others.
Floor displays can also help you entertain visitors and give a positive visitor experience to your guests.
Build an open area: This area should provide some tables and chairs for employees to eat their lunch.
In fact, some companies also provide some hot desks inside so that new employees have the flexibility to eat and work in this area.
Set work guidelines: Setting appropriate guidelines for employees will help them work with more purpose and ensure that they work more efficiently. Especially for new employees, this will make them understand the job content and schedule more easily.
ONES Software now has a dedicated page to introduce a series of hybrid working and smart office measures to help you solve problems. You may wish to go to https://ones.software/hybrid-workspace/ for further reference.
Also, we can easily help you to perform virtual meetings, desk hoteling, and digital office management with our Room Booking, Desk Booking, and Visitor Management feature.
Contact us: hello@ones.software, or visit ONES Software official website for more information: https://ones.software/.