Volume 9 • 2022 • Issue 3

• Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks website www.workhealthlife.com TheMembers’AssistanceProgram (MAP) is sponsoredbyCDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staffand immediate familymembers.MAPservices are complimentary andaccessible24/7/365. ContactMAPat 1.844.578.4040or visit theirwebsite atworkhealthlife.com . MAP is operatedbyLifeWorks (formerly MorneauShepell), the largestCanadian- basedEmployee andFamilyAssistance provider in the country.Available services varyby region.UseofMAPservices is completely confidential within the limits of the law. Have you ever been to a party in a country where you didn’t speak the language? Everyone is talking and laughing, sharing stories and inside jokes, and if you just understood what they were saying, you could join in too. Instead you just stand there frozen, trying to blend inwith a smile and a nod. This is verymuch what it can feel like to join a new workplace: frightening and isolating. Because indeed, a workplace is much like a country: with its own customs, cultural cues, and rhythms to get accustomed to. At least with our first day of school as children, there were many others in the same situation. When someone joins a new workplace, they often join it alone, making it that much more overwhelming. HelpingwithOnboarding: Supporting aNewEmployee Practice owners and employees alike have traditionally viewed onboarding—also known as orientation—as a largely administrative process of filling in paperwork, watching policy videos, and flipping through binders while wearing a nametag. Overall, it’s a process that’s commonly thought of as being tedious but necessary, and often treated as an afterthought. However, just like all first impressions, successful, engaged onboarding can positively impact employee satisfaction, performance, and retention. The onboarding process is generally divided into two main areas: professional and social . Of course they overlap, and the places where they feel the most intertwined are usually the most overwhelming, as we may ask ourselves things like “if my new colleague isn’t happy with my work, will I also risk losing their friendship?” This presents a great opportunity for strategic integration of these two spheres. Here are some ways you can support your new hires or new coworkers during this delicate and stressful time, thus helping them feel comfortable and engaged in their new role and workplace. Start before day one . Arriving for that first day at a new job is daunting, but by getting in touch with your new employee ahead of day one can help. Send the new hire a welcome package with information on their role, as well as a personal note. On the office end, let the new employee’s future coworkers know they will be arriving so that they can say hello and make them feel welcome. CONTINUED 41 Issue 3 | 2022 | SupportingYour Practice