Finding good job candidates can be challenging for any company or organization. But once you finally make that hiring decision, what is the best way to get them off to a good start?  Trevina Broussard works as an Associate Trainer with Humetrics, where she helps employers extend their unique insights and common sense approaches to better recruiting, hiring and retention. She told members of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) during its business conference that creating a positive environment from the very beginning is a great first step.
 
“On an employee's first day on the job, think of them as if they were a student starting kindergarten,” she recommended. “They are going to want to know if the others like and support them, will be curious about how hard they are supposed to work, and whether or not they will be evaluated.”

Broussard reminds team leaders that starting a new employee comes with several challenges, such as training time, investment costs and a temporary loss of productivity. But getting that person off on the right foot can reap rewards in employee morale, development and retention.

She recommends that employers designate a buddy or mentor for that new hire to work with in addition to their main supervisor. And creating an atmosphere where feedback is always welcome is also strongly recommended.
 
“I would suggest asking them at the end of their first day what they observed about the company or organization,” Broussard stated. “Be sure to offer other open-ended questions at the end of the first week and on the day they receive their first paycheck. Often we do not hear about their real observations unless they are asked.”
 
Another key point to remember is that if you hire the wrong people, 'all the fancy management techniques in the world won’t bail you out,' according to Broussard.