After sharing appealing PERM recruitment ads and finding the ideal candidate for your job opening, you are now responsible for helping them adapt to your workplace. At this point, the new hire’s resume and cover letter demonstrated they deserved the job. Their interview was professional and convinced you they were more than qualified to work for your business. When you could not find local candidates, you made sure to meet all immigration labor advertising requirements to satisfy the DOL and earn your new hire’s green card.
Hiring an international candidate can be a lengthy process, so by the time they begin their job role, you could have your fingers crossed that they are as eligible for your business position as you believed when you hired them. On the other hand, you could also hope they feel comfortable in your workplace and willing to stay long term. You may believe that wishing and hoping is all you can do as your employee begins working for your business. Instead, you have plenty of control over their first impressions of your workplace and how they adjust to new responsibilities.
When your new employee is beginning with your company, your onboarding stage is a crucial influencer on your new hire’s choice to work for you or change their mind and find somewhere else. You’ll need to demonstrate your business’ values effectively and convince your qualified new hire they will be happy working for you alongside their coworkers
Your international employee may be feeling anxious and stressed when entering your workplace. Joining a new staff and adjusting to new settings and responsibilities can be nerve-wracking, especially if they do not speak the same first language as your staff. It’s your responsibility to help them settle into their new role comfortably with all the necessary information and tools to thrive. That way, they will want to stay with your company and become a positive asset to your team.
Here are some ways you can make sure your new international hire adapts to their new role with an effective onboarding process:
Prepare for Your New Hire’s First Day and Week
Before your new employee arrives at your office, make sure you and your team are prepared to welcome them and make them feel comfortable. Inform your staff of their new coworker and give them a general idea of what you’ll be doing on their first day. That way, your team won’t be thrown off-guard with a new member entering the office. If they already know their coworker’s name, they can address them and welcome them.
By notifying your staff of the new employee’s first day, you’ll have more of a chance to commit your full attention to your new hire, as your team will know you’ll be occupied ahead of time. Be adequately ready for your international employee’s first day so you can outline everything they should see to navigate their new workplace. If their role requires thorough training, you may need to schedule their entire first week so your new worker can understand your business workflow structure and how to perform daily tasks.
On top of training, you can find times for your onboarded employee to know their coworkers with a staff lunch or other pleasant activities. Lighter activities will help prevent the chances of your new hire becoming too overwhelmed or stressed in their first days. Finding balance for work-related and work-culture-related introductions will ensure smooth onboarding.
Make Extra Effort
With your schedule for the training and staff introduction ready, consider going the extra step by showing your new international hire that you are excited to have them on board. Consider showing off your lovely office space by adding a few decorative features that will make it more presentable. Add signs or a welcome card to your new hire’s desk area so they will immediately feel comfortable and acknowledged in their work setting.
Giving a gift is a kind extra measure that will bring a smile to your new hire’s face. Starting a new job, especially in another country, can be overwhelming. Offering some company swag, a gift card, something for their deskspace, etc., is a nice gesture to show your business appreciates having them work for you. With useful work-related gifts, including mugs, headphones, or other items, you are revealing how you plan to invest in their success while working for your company.
Answer All Questions
Your new hire will likely have plenty of questions about your work setting, workflow software, who they need to find for help with specific tasks, and more. To prove yourself a caring employer, you should answer all questions with enough details so your new employee does not feel confused or unsure of what they’re doing. It’s best to overshare information so your employee is well-informed. That way, they can be productive and not lose time over any confusion.
Monitor Your New Hire’s Progress
Remember, your onboarding process does not end on their first day. More concerns could come up as your employee starts taking on their responsibilities and conducting regular work tasks. By monitoring their progress, you can be sure they are on the right track. If you notice delays or flawed work products, you can take the opportunity to guide your new employee further so they can thrive in their new position.
Through your immigration advertising, you would have shared the regular daily tasks of the posted job role, but these may have seemed easier said than done to your new hire. They may need extra attention, especially if there are cultural differences that they are also adjusting to in your workplace. If you are attentive and remain accessible to your new employee, they can continue asking you critical questions to help them succeed with your business.
Consider holding regular meetings or check-up sessions so you can be sure your new staff member is happy and satisfied in their role. They will appreciate your efforts to help them adapt. If you offer positive feedback, they will feel encouraged to continue investing their time and effort into your business.
Initiating a thorough onboarding process for your new international hire will not only benefit them but could reduce your staff turnover and improve overall efficiency in your workplace. Attentive onboarding will make your new employees feel valued and motivate them to help you achieve your business goals.
