Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Managers have a vital role in helping employees develop their careers and acting as communicators between departments and teams. One of their key duties is to facilitate clear communication, especially during the onboarding of new employees.
Clear and structured communication is crucial for integrating new team members into a company's culture, fostering belonging and alignment with organizational goals. New hires often face an influx of emails, messages, and instructions when they join a company. Managers can ease this transition by guiding them through the organization's communication channels using both formal and informal messaging.
New employees may lack historical context regarding team interactions. Providing this background early can significantly ease their adjustment period. Organizations tend to develop their own jargon and internal terminology. While clarity should always be prioritized, a new hire’s arrival offers managers an opportunity to review commonly used terms. Care should be taken when using acronyms with new employees without explanation.
Lisa Claybon, a senior communications executive, highlights the importance of providing new employees with a list of company acronyms and phrases. A well-organized 30-60-90-day onboarding plan helps avoid information overload.
Although managers are primarily responsible for guiding new employees, existing team members also play a valuable role in onboarding. Managers should inform the team about a new hire early on and involve them in the process to expose newcomers to different communication styles within the team.
Managers should establish an open feedback loop with new hires to refine the communication and onboarding process. Regular check-ins can ensure that they do not feel overwhelmed and help identify any gaps in onboarding.
By adopting a thoughtful approach to onboarding and communication, managers can set up new employees for long-term success while fostering strong workplace culture.
By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.
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