New Hires Need Employee Recognition, Too!

Employee recognition needs to start from day one. Your new hires will feel welcomed and be more committed when you share your gratitude with them right away!
Two common misconceptions about employee recognition impede effective onboarding experiences for new hires.
One misconception is that recognition is only for big milestones like work anniversaries. The other is that routine job duties don’t deserve “thanks.”
Not true! Everyone loves to hear praise for their everyday accomplishments.
Read on to find out how your employee recognition program can include new hires from Day 1.

The Cure For First-Day Jitters

First days are tough. New hires are often nervous, unsure of what to expect and worried about doing well.
Glassdoor researched what employees really want from onboarding. The #1 answer is obvious, yet it’s a key component of the new-hire experience that often gets overlooked: new hires want be sure that this job was the right decision.
The interview process is like dating, and “accepting a job after these few interactions is like getting married after two or three dates – a big leap of faith,” writes Glassdoor’s Mariah DeLeon.
“What did I get myself into?” is the last thing you want your new hire thinking.
Let your employees know from the get-go that you value their presence and look forward to their involvement with your business. New hires should be aware of your gratitude before they even start working.
Encourage your CEO or regional supervisor to meet one-on-one with new hires. A few words of gratitude will do wonders — “We’re so glad you’re here! We couldn’t do this without you. We’ve been waiting for someone with exactly your expertise,” and, as always, a simple “Thank you.”
Don’t forget the power of gifts, but make it personal. Accompany your small gift with a welcome card signed by the whole team.
Recognizing new employees with small tokens of appreciation will “satisfy the practical, hard-working side as well as the emotional side of each new employee,” according to an Eagle Recognition blog post on the crucial role of employee recognition in onboarding.
Your new hires aren’t just nervous and worried. They’re also excited to start and eager to please. Honor those feelings! Make their excitement feels warranted.
“Lavish them with personal attention. Demonstrate in word and deed that this is the place for them,” recommends Forbes contributor Jeff Schmitt, in his (facetiously titled) article, “12 Ways To Alienate A New Hire.”

Show That employee Recognition Is Part of your Workplace Culture

It takes a “learning village” to orient new employees, according to Expertus guest blogger Dr. Nancy Rubin.
“In a healthy workplace culture, onboarding is a group effort. Everyone should naturally want to play a role to ensure that new hires stick,'” she writes.
Recognition expert Roy Saunderson also talks about the interplay of recognition and workplace culture. He’s the founder of Recognition Management Institute and author of “Giving the Real Recognition Way.”
“Your culture must drive recognition giving,” Saunderson writes for Training.
Involve all employees to instill the values of your company’s recognition culture from Day 1.
“Have new employees hear live-shared or video-captured content from employees telling stories demonstrating how other employees are living the values of their organization,” he writes.
When you involve all employees in the onboarding process, especially when it comes to recognition, you’re showing that company values aren’t just platitudes. They lead to action.
Giving and receiving recognition is a skill that takes practice. Help new hires exercise their recognition right away! Saunderson says new employees can “practice the fine art of expressing appreciation to someone who helped them during their first few days on the job.”
After those first few days, don’t let your employee recognition program lose steam.
Rubin writes, “It’s never too early or too often to recognize accomplishments during the first year on the job. Employees need to know they’re appreciated, and their work is making a difference to the company.”
For more great tips and insights into building a vibrant culture of employee engagement and appreciation, download our free eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to Employee Gift-Giving!”



About gThankYou, LLC
Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
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