The Critical Question

There are probably a number of new hires who have joined your firm in the last few months. For them, this spring is the first time they are experiencing busy season with you. With the busy season halfway through, they are likely asking themselves the critical question: Did I make the right decision to join this firm?

When they came aboard, most of what they knew of your firm was from the website and interviews. Everyone was cordial, promising a great culture and the priority of people. Are you living up to it? Are you really who you say you are? Is that their experience?

While your firm may have a great onboarding program, new hires experience the firm when it is stressed. Under adverse conditions, they are wondering… Do I feel like I belong? Am I accepted? Does anyone really care that I’m here? Does my work matter?

Everyone Contributes

In helping new hires answer the critical question, it takes everyone’s input and involvement.

Partners need to take time to check in. When someone of stature reaches out, you get a sense that you are known and worth the effort. One partner told me he schedules check-ins with a couple of people each week (new or not). Over a short period of time, he will connect with everyone and then continue the rotation. A few 5-minute touches a week are not time-consuming—they are evidence of priority. Time limitations are not an excuse.

Managers need to ensure a good start. Clear assignments, stated expectations and acknowledgement of their successes are important for new hires to experience that they are valued and needed. Weekly meetings and more frequent touches keep new hire experiences in perspective.

Peers help new hires find their way. Sometimes it’s nice to connect with people who share their situation to understand what certain things mean. New people are learning how to fit in and what the “rules” are in your firm. Peers are a safe haven to ask about how to get along.

The HR team ensures connections are being made with the new hire’s manager, their team and the firm. Follow up behind the scenes makes it all come together so that new people aren’t forgotten, left alone or left behind. Remote employees are especially at risk and require even more thoughtful actions.

Answer The Question

Being a new hire brings its own stress. Add to that the concentration of work and the setting is ripe for disgruntlement and disillusionment. Give them reasons to stay by helping them answer the critical question in the affirmative.