Getting new hires off to a good start is a key part of the hiring process. It ensures the rookies will start producing quickly — and improve the odds that they’ll stick with the company.

Most companies get the bases covered — show employees where the coffee is, introduce them to key people, etc.

But a lot of orientation programs could use some improvement. Here are two simple steps HR and management can take to give hires a better introduction:

• Schedule a Q+A day — Effective first-day programs give newbies a chance to ask any questions they have — but it’s unlikely they’ll think of everything they want to ask right away. Meet up with the employee to chat after he or she’s been on the job for several days.
• Pick mentors wisely — A common practice is to pair the hire with a veteran for the first couple of days. That works great — if the two are a good match. Pick a mentor you think will get along with the new person and give the best impression of the company.

Tags: mentors, new hires, orientation