The first month in a new job plays a huge part in whether an employee feels confident, supported and ready to succeed. This period is an opportunity for employers to make a strong first impression and set new team members up for long-term success.
Whether you hire temporary, seasonal, or permanent staff, a structured approach to onboarding can improve productivity, reduce turnover and help new workers feel like part of the team from day one.
Here’s how employers can make the first month count.
Start with a Clear and Welcoming Induction
A good induction sets the tone for everything that follows.
Include:
- A tour of the workplace
- Introductions to the team
- Clear explanation of the role
- Health and safety briefing (required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015)
- Information on where to go for help
A confident start reduces anxiety and helps new staff members settle in faster.
Provide the Right Tools and Training
Nothing derails a new employee’s confidence like not having the equipment, access or training they need.
Make sure they have:
- PPE and any required uniforms
- Logins and access to systems
- Training on machinery or tools
- A clear understanding of processes
For warehousing, logistics and manufacturing roles, hands-on training is especially important for safety and performance.
Set Clear Expectations
New employees perform better when they understand what success looks like.
Clarify:
- Who they report to
- Daily tasks and priorities
- Break times and workplace rules
- Performance expectations
- Any upcoming busy periods
Simple, direct guidance helps new workers feel comfortable and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Assign a Buddy
Having someone approachable to answer questions is one of the most effective ways to support new staff.
A buddy can help with:
- Workplace navigation
- Learning the job faster
- Providing encouragement
- Answering basic questions new staff may hesitate to ask a manager
This support is especially helpful for temporary or seasonal workers who need to get up to speed quickly.
Check In Regularly
A quick “How’s it going?” can make a massive difference.
Use check-ins at:
- Day 1
- End of week 1
- End of week 2
- End of the first month
Ask what’s going well, what could be improved and whether they need more support. Early communication helps address issues before they escalate.
Encourage a Positive Team Culture
New employees decide quickly whether a workplace feels supportive or stressful.
Promote:
- Respect and teamwork
- Clear communication
- Recognition of a job well done
- Inclusion of new staff in team conversations
A positive workplace culture encourages loyalty and improves retention, even for temporary workers.
Provide Opportunities to Learn and Grow
New or temporary employees want to feel like they are developing their skills.
Consider offering:
- On the job training
- Shadowing opportunities
- Refreshers for health and safety
- Pathways to permanent roles for top performers
Growth encourages engagement and motivates employees to do their best work.
Supporting New Employees Pays Off
When employers invest time in supporting a new employee in the first month, they build employee confidence, reduce turnover and create a stronger workforce. A well supported new employee is more productive and far more likely to stay with the business long-term.
Whether you’re bringing on a few new team members or scaling up for the busy season, these simple steps can make all the difference.