Increase Retention by Improving Orientation
How long does employee orientation last at your practice? A few days? A few weeks? Or perhaps just half a day because you’re short-staffed and busy? The reality is that many practices fail to allocate sufficient time for orientation and often lack a structured system.
Orientation is generally defined as the first 30 days of employment. It takes time to integrate new hires into the business so they’re familiar with all their job duties, roles, protocols, and company policies. When you don’t devote enough time to orientation, new employees can quickly feel overwhelmed, confused, frustrated and uneasy as they try to navigate their new environment. This can lead to onboarding issues, resulting in bad habits, a lack of accountability, or high turnover because employees don’t enjoy your work environment.
Here are ways to create an exceptional orientation experience that enhances retention and fosters a sense of belonging among new hires.
Roll out the welcome mat. Make a strong first impression! Send a warm text to new hires, letting them know you’ve emailed them essential information. This email should express gratitude for their decision to join your practice and include important details such as appropriate attire, expected arrival times, required documents (e.g., driver’s license, social security card), a detailed agenda, and lunch options. Assign a specific team member to greet the new employee and guide them on their first day. Consider adding a small welcome gift, like a coffee mug filled with candy or snacks, to make them feel valued.
Assign a buddy or mentor. Pair each new hire with a designated buddy who they can turn to for questions or concerns. This co-worker should introduce the new employee to the rest of the team, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. Additionally, the buddy can help coordinate daily work assignments during the new hire’s first week, making the transition smoother.
Schedule welcome activities. Engage your existing team in brainstorming welcoming activities. When team members contribute ideas, they’re more likely to be enthusiastic and friendly towards new hires. However, be mindful not to put the spotlight on the new employee in a way that could cause discomfort. Here are some fun ideas to consider:
- “Get to Know You” Exercises: Use brief standing meetings to have team members share personal tidbits, such as their favorite TV show or local restaurant.
- Post a warm welcome message on a poster or the treatment white board to foster a sense of community.
- Encourage everyone to greet the new hire with a positive phrase such as “We have an awesome team and we’re glad you’re here.”
Get organized. Develop a comprehensive four-week agenda that outlines key learning objectives for new hires. To optimize the training process, utilize multiple trainers. This not only distributes the responsibility but also allows new employees to build relationships with various team members. An organized orientation fosters clarity and helps new hires feel more confident in their roles.
By investing time and effort into a thoughtful orientation process, your practice can create an environment where new hires feel welcome and valued, ultimately enhancing their experience and increasing retention rates. A well-structured orientation is not just a formality; it’s a vital step in cultivating a positive workplace culture that benefits everyone.
