
Sadly, in too many organizations an employee’s first day of work is not a positive experience.
In some cases, the people on the new employee’s team don’t even know he’s arriving, and even if they do know it, they have done little preparation to help this new employee get off to a good start. The person does not feel important, significant or particularly welcome.
In some cases an employee’s first day is a brain-numbing orientation, part of which involves a cheerful human resources professional explaining the reasons that can provide the basis for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
It doesn’t have to be this way in your department. With a modest amount of forethought and creativity, you can make a new employee’s first day of work a terrific day.
Listen in to our podcast as Kyle Bruss and I discuss specific, practical strategies to get employees off to a great start. We’ll discuss:
- How to make new hires feels important and welcome,
- How to help them rapidly develop positive relationships with their co-workers, and
- How to curate your company mythology to vividly illustrate your organization’s values and expectations.
On all our podcasts and blog posts, you have an opportunity to talk back to us through comments and emails. We hope to hear from you! Until next time, manage to make a difference every day.
+ Larry Sternberg, J.D. and Kim Turnage, Ph.D.
This post highlights Chapters 46, 47 and 48 of Kim and Larry’s book Managing to Make a Difference (Wiley), a handbook for hitting the sweet spot of middle management. Connect with Kim Turnage and Larry Sternberg on LinkedIn to see their latest updates.

Talent Plus
Talent Plus is a team of industry experts who collaborate to deliver insightful and impactful content. Our blogs are designed to provide practical advice and fresh perspectives, helping you stay informed and ahead of the curve.
Latest Posts: Blog

Blog February 27, 2025
Leading With Purpose: Seven Qualities of a Good Manager
Explore the 7 qualities of a good manager and enhance your leadership skills for greater team success and communication.
Read More
Blog February 15, 2025
First Time Manager Tips — Five Strategies for Success
Are you a first-time manager? Learn valuable tips and strategies to succeed in your new role and make a positive impact.
Read More
Blog February 03, 2025
Personalizing the Employee Recognition Experience
Discover the power of tailored employee recognition examples to increase engagement and reduce turnover in your organization.
Read More
Blog January 14, 2025
Engaging Remote Employees: 4 Best Practices for Leaders
Unlock the power of remote employee engagement with these practical and effective activities. Build a strong team and boost morale.
Read More
Blog January 09, 2025
Turn Retail Jobs into Careers with Recognition That Resonates
Explore effective strategies for employee retention in retail to motivate and engage your team with personalized recognition.
Read More
Blog January 04, 2025
Innovations on the Horizon
Discover how Talent Plus has been driving innovation over the past 35 years and explore what developments are on the horizon.
Read More