You're working with a new team member. How can you make sure they feel welcome and included?

1 Prepare in advance

Before your new team member arrives, make sure you have everything ready for them. This includes their workstation, access codes, passwords, email account, phone number, and any other tools or resources they need. You should also prepare a welcome package that contains some useful information, such as the team's goals, roles, responsibilities, processes, policies, and culture. You can also include some personal touches, such as a welcome card, a mug, or a snack.

2 Introduce them to the team

One of the most important steps to make your new team member feel welcome and included is to introduce them to the rest of the team. You can do this in a formal or informal way, depending on your team's style and preferences. For example, you can organize a team meeting, a lunch, a coffee break, or a social event to give everyone a chance to meet and chat with the new person. You should also introduce them to other key stakeholders, such as managers, clients, or partners, who they will work with or report to.

3 Assign them a buddy

Another way to help your new team member feel welcome and included is to assign them a buddy or a mentor. This is someone who can guide them through their first days or weeks, answer their questions, give them feedback, and support them with their tasks. A buddy or a mentor can also help them learn more about the team's dynamics, expectations, and norms, as well as the organizational culture and values. You should choose someone who is friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy, and who has a similar role or skill set as the new person.

4 Check in regularly

As an operational planner, you should also check in regularly with your new team member to see how they are doing, what challenges they are facing, and what support they need. You should also give them constructive and positive feedback on their performance, achievements, and areas of improvement. You can use different methods to check in, such as face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, or instant messages. You should also encourage them to share their opinions, ideas, and suggestions with you and the team.

5 Involve them in the team's activities

Finally, you should involve your new team member in the team's activities as much as possible. This means giving them meaningful and challenging tasks that match their skills and interests, and that contribute to the team's goals and objectives. You should also invite them to participate in the team's meetings, discussions, brainstorming sessions, and decision-making processes. You should also encourage them to join the team's social and recreational activities, such as celebrations, outings, games, or hobbies.

By following these tips, you can make your new team member feel welcome and included in your operational planning team. This will help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration with them, and enhance your team's performance, morale, and satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?