2020 could have been nicknamed “The Year of Layoffs.” Companies had to let millions of workers go during the lockdown, and it was tough on everyone involved. Businesses are starting to recover and fill those vacant spots — but are they doing it the smart way?

If you’ve recently put up a “We’re Hiring!” sign, you need to have a process in place to onboard and keep your new employees. Here’s how to make it happen:
 

1. Prepare Their Workspace

Most of the time when a new hire shows up, they’re greeted by an empty desk. Then, they waste time setting up their computer and phone, creating a company email account, and finding a stapler in the supply closet. To avoid this, create a checklist of things you need to do before a new employee’s first day. If you prepare their physical and online workspace, they’ll be able to hit the ground running.
  

2. Create a Training Program

Here at Sklar, we have an extensive video training program for new hires. Is it the most exciting thing in the world? Maybe not, but it’s full of useful information. Try creating something similar to get your new hires up to speed. It can be a video training, a handbook, or a series of meetings. The format is up to you.
  

3. Make Them Feel Welcome

Why is it that we have going-away parties for employees who leave, but don’t celebrate new hires the same way? It makes no sense! Hiring someone new is exciting, so hype up your team and make them feel welcome with a care package or office party. Bonus points if you give them a great title and have their business cards ready.
  

4. Show Their Family You Care

To get an employee to stick around, you need to win over their spouse or family members. That way, if they have a bad day at work and go home to complain, they’re venting to someone supportive of the company. The best way to do this is just to show that you care. Here at Sklar, our employees get five weeks of personal time every year, and during the pandemic, Randy bought their families dinner on Fridays. As the saying goes, “People join companies, but they leave managers.” Don’t make them want to leave you!
 
If you take these tips to heart, your new hires will be in for the long haul.
  

-Randy Sklar