We only have one chance to make a first engaging impression

Relationships begin from the very first experience a new employee has with your business. Unfortunately, 8 per cent of people leave a company after only three months with almost 14 per cent leaving after six months. (Source: ABS).

Feeling part of the family

Fast tracking people's sense of belonging through personal connections and quickly establishing a social network play a big part in making people feel welcome, supported and part of the family.

Making the time to welcome new people properly is an excellent engagement strategy that will save managers further recruiting time in the future. Many managers put impersonal procedures ahead of achieving a personal connection early in a new employee/manager relationship.

Possible actions for your new recruit

• Create a new employee poster with personal information of interest

• Have a one-week check in with managers/the CEO

• Make sure they have a contact list of all employees in the first few days

• Have someone contact them before they start with any questions

• Appoint a ‘buddy', other than their manager

• Make it the role of all employees to introduce themselves in the first day

• Send a welcome card to their home for them and their spouse - if appropriate