The good news is that a new hire orientation program offers an opportunity to build a lasting impression of the new company. The bad news is that that is going to happen whether you plan it or not. So why not get new hires off to a great start? Here are seven ways.

Celebrate the new hires arrival.
How come when an employee leaves, theres a party, but when she arrives, there is nothing to mark the occasion? Welcome new employees on day one and make them feel part of the team.

Give the person a buddy.
Dont make them feel like strangers. Ask someone, who will be working with the new hire, to show him around and teach him the ropes.

Get them up to speed fast.
Many new hires encounter delays and frustrations in getting the tools and training they need to be productive. Make sure they have their passwords, telephone numbers, emails, computer, etc. from day one.

Let the person feel special.
Realize there is no substitute from a welcoming from the very top. If the CEO cant spend a few minutes in person with new employees, they should at least send a welcome email or voice mail.

Develop a video.
Have it present what the organization does, the customers or clients, and the employees who make it happen. This personalizes the company and helps new hires become more quickly committed.

Go beyond the first day.
Dont attempt to cram the employee orientation into only a few short hours. It should be spread out over their first 60-90 days. It is important for the employee to be able to absorb the information and not feel overwhelmed.

Make orientation fun
You can use a scavenger hunt; play a Jeopardy game, an off-site outing, etc. One CEO pretends he is a drill sergeant and has all new employees recite the companys values statement. Put on your thinking cap and come up with creative ways to get your new hires on board.

Marcia Zidle

Marcia Zidle, M.S. N.C.C., the ?people smarts? coach, works with business, government and community leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ? to grow and increase profits. Her services include:

• What Really Works Handbooks ? resources for managers and supervisors on the front line
• Power-by-the-Hour Programs ? fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development
• Your Strategic Partner ? support to leaders who are in positions of high expectations, high visibility and high payoff.

Marcia is founder of Leadership Hooks, a business coaching company, which helps executive teams, operations managers, business owners and agency directors to move their organizations from seat-of-the-pants to feet-on-the-ground leadership.

She brings over 20 years experience from a wide variety of workplace settings, countries, and industries including: health care, financial services, professional practices, automotive and light manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, event management, education, non-profits, local and state government.

Finally, Marcia's ?claim to fame? is experiencing expatriate living with her family in Scandinavia and Australia. She has traveled in over 30 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Far East, and South Pacific. She welcomes invitations to speak internationally so that she can add to her growing list of interesting places to explore.