The First Day: Welcoming Your New Employee

Set your new employee up for success from the start.

To ease anxiety, create a comfortable environment and have a plan to get your new employee involved, while remembering not to overwhelm them. Not only is this your opportunity to give information, it is your new employee’s chance to share beyond what was discussed pre-arrival. At the end of the day, your new employee should know the basic operations of the department and leave feeling they have joined the right team.

Introductions

  • Be there when your new employee arrives.
  • Meet with your new employee.
    • Discuss plans for the first day
    • Discuss the department’s vision and mission and how your new employee’s job supports them
  • Invite the department head to greet your new employee.
  • Introduce your new employee to their “buddy”.
  • Introduce your new employee to other members of the department.
    • Identify other resources (Shared Service Center representatives, departmental benefits assistant)
  • Hold a small gathering or go out for lunch together.
  • Make yourself as available as possible throughout the day.

Work Environment

  • Show your new employee their work area.
  • Ensure your new employee has all necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Allow time to set up work area.
  • Provide a tour of the work site.
  • Point out storage areas for resource materials and supplies.
  • Point out restrooms, common shared areas and points of interest (vending machines, refrigerator, coffee service, break room, mail boxes, printers, copiers).
  • Explain building access and security measures.
  • Issue keys or similar department access.
  • Discuss transportation and parking options and allow time for your new employee to go to Transportation Services.
  • Have them browse the UC Davis website to learn more about what we do.

Policies, Procedures and Paperwork

 THE FIRST WEEK: GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START