A new employee’s first day could have a big effect on how long he or she sticks around. But too often, the first day at a new job is a stressful nightmare.

So you’ve recruited and hired a great employee. Now you need to make sure they start off on the right foot. At too many companies, they don’t. Why? Timing might have something to do with it.

Timing matters

Think about it - what’s the most common time to have new hires come in for the first day? Odds are, it’s first thing Monday morning.

Now imagine the typical workplace. Sure, morale might generally be high, but let’s be honest: Monday probably isn’t the happiest time around the office. People tend to be busier and less enthusiastic than they are on other days.

But why do employees start on Mondays? There’s probably very little business reason for it. The middle of the week might be a better time, when co-workers are more free to show people around and help them get acclimated.

Some other onboarding keys:

1. Give new hires time with their supervisor. It’s nice to get to know the person they’ll be reporting to.
2. Give them a buddy. New hires are full of questions, and it helps to have one go-to person to answer them.

Tags: first day, onboarding, orientation