How to be an engaging manager

Employee engagement can start before a new employee joins. It is important for managers to connect quickly with new staff - the quicker employees become settled the quicker they will start contributing in a positive way to the business.

How to engage new staff

New employees should know what to expect and what is expected of them in their new job role. There are many ways new employees can be welcomed and embedded into an organisation, including:

Tour of the workplace

Even ahead of a new employee's first day, you could invite them into the workplace for an informal tour so that they can familiarise themselves with the layout, where they will be working and where key amenities are located. You could also use this opportunity to introduce them to their new colleagues. This helps to settle nerves and makes the employee feel part of the organisation ahead of their first official day on the job.

Welcome from other staff

You should brief staff in other teams about a new employee starting so they can welcome them and introduce themselves when they meet. This will help the new staff member familiarise themselves with other colleagues who they may not be working with directly but may need to approach at a later stage.

Employee welcome pack

A welcome pack containing essential information for a new staff member could include an employee handbook, HR policies, internal procedures, benefits package, brand guidelines and short welcome profiles from new colleagues in their team. You could also include some gifts such as a branded company mug, notepad, or pens. See new starter pack for staff.

Staff induction

You should establish a formal induction programme to help new employees understand the business's purpose, structure, and culture. See induction programme: what to include.

Work equipment

Make sure new employees are set up and ready with the equipment they need for their first day. This may include a computer, laptop, or tablet, phone mobile, email and other relevant software. It may be helpful to develop a checklist for new starters, so you know exactly what they need ahead of their start date.

Buddy scheme

You could consider introducing a buddy scheme where an existing staff member helps a new employees settle in, shows them key procedures and is on hand to answer any queries they may have.

Social events

Social events are a good way for new employees to get to know their colleagues in a more relaxed environment. Make new employees aware of any regular social events that take place throughout the corporate calendar and invite them to any upcoming events.