Once your initial orientation and new hire requirements are met and safety programs are completed, it is time to meet the workforce. Co-workers are important to new hires, meeting other employees is important to feel safe and welcomed in an environment.
All veteran employees have a role when a new hire is on your is on your work site. New hires may not remember all rules and regulations they were just educated on in their orientation. As a veteran employee there are always things you can do to help with this process.
- Welcome and introduce the new hire and explain your role in the company.
- Locate the first aid kits, fire extinguishers, restrooms and break rooms available.
- Encourage questions to be asked.
- Refrain from complaining about aspects of your job that you may not enjoy, share things you like about the company to start the new hire off with a positive note.
- If something is done wrong nicely correct and explain the right procedures to follow. The new hire maybe highly skilled and experienced in his or her trade but not necessarily use to our company’s procedure.
- Lead by example with the correct work habits.
It was found that up to 60% of all job injuries occur to new employees in less than 6 months with a new job. When employees are started off on the right foot it can instill good work habits. Remember new hires may not have questions until after they have worked a couple days and begin to understand their job requirements more thoroughly. Repeated, friendly reminders of safety procedures and work rules by others can greatly reduce the chance of accidents happening. As a coworker, making yourself available to answer questions shows a willingness to provide a safe workplace for everyone involved.
Helping others should be viewed as an investment in your workforce and company.