In the past, job seekers prioritized factors such as salary, health benefits, vacation time, and bonuses when searching for employment. While these factors may entice a new employee to join a company, it takes more than that to keep them there. It’s important to prioritize employee satisfaction by creating a work environment that nurtures it to keep your team working for you longer.
Tip One: Improve Your Onboarding Process
First impressions matter, so organization is key when onboarding your new employee. Greet your employee upon their arrival and guide them to their workspace. Even the most experienced new hire may feel nervous on their first day, so take the time to give them a tour of the office and the facilities and introduce them to their colleagues. If your work setting is remote, arrange virtual meetings so everyone is introduced and knows who to contact when needed.
Make Sure All the Paperwork Is in Order
You can forward all the relevant documentation to the new hire upon confirming their employment but do make sure you follow up to ensure the paperwork is completed before the start date. It might also be helpful to provide some information about parking and items such as dress code, work hours, and any special instructions they need to follow prior to their first day.
Provide a Fully Equipped Workspace
Make sure your new employee has everything they need to do their job on the first day. Pass on ID cards, security passes, and keys. Provide phones, computers, printers, and any other equipment they may need to do their job. Have work email accounts ready for use and provide usernames and passwords for access to databases and other resources.
Use onboarding checklists and other HR resources online to help you navigate this process.
Tip Two: Clarify Their Roles and Your Expectations
Your employees need to know what is expected of them, so it is important to review their roles and responsibilities upon joining the team. Check-in with new hires on a monthly basis, and once they are fully integrated, you can conduct six-month or annual reviews to keep engagement strong.
Regular performance meetings are useful for employees to gain feedback on how they are doing and for you to gather any information on problems they may have. When your employees feel supported in their journey, they are more likely to feel satisfied and engage fully in their work.
Tip Three: Open the Lines of Communication
Communication is essential for good employer/employee relations, so it is best to start on the first day. Take the time to know your new employee and make them feel welcome. Be an empathetic communicator, as this is essential to:
- Make new employees feel comfortable
- Develop strong relationships
- Encourage two-way communication
- Build trust
- Gain employee satisfaction
Tip Four: Keep Your Eyes Open For Talent
It is important to recognize where your employees excel, and recognition goes a long way to improving employee satisfaction. Employees appreciate companies that provide opportunities for advancement with promotions, pay raises, and bonuses. Not only does this benefit those talented employees, but it also encourages others to do better.
Tip Five: What Is Your Company Culture?
When training new employees, it is important to align them with your company culture. To do this, you have to have a clear vision of who you are and what your stand for. Relay the story of why your company was founded, along with the goals the company is looking to achieve today.
Include Team-Building Exercises Along With Skills Training
Team building exercises are a great way to instill company values and culture within your workforce. These include offering learning experiences such as lunch and learn events, hosting office games, and promoting community engagement. Maintain these team-building exercises regularly to increase employee engagement, improve relationships and boost morale.
Make Employee Satisfaction Part of The Culture
Consider what type of programs will make your company culture more attractive to employees. Do you have working parents in your company? Maybe a daycare would be beneficial for your team. Do you want to promote mental and physical wellness? Offering increased health benefits may resonate with your culture and your team’s needs. There are endless ways you can increase employee satisfaction once you know your team and your company culture.
Employees work well when they feel valued. When you create a culture that promotes a work-life balance, your employees are more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
HR Resources in Canada
If you are looking for HR courses in Canada that can help you to improve your employee retention strategies, sign up for my Hiring Essential Course. It includes a wealth of information about the onboarding process and the best strategies to retain your top talent. Book a 15-minute brainstorming session to find out how my course can work for you.
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