Hiring Your First Employee
Key Points
- Establish Workplace Culture: Define your desired workplace culture before hiring to ensure you attract and retain employees who fit well with your company’s values and dynamics.
- Accommodate Flexible Working: Offer flexible working hours and locations when possible, as this can make your business more appealing to potential employees and boost their productivity and loyalty.
- Decide on Uniforms: Determine if uniforms or branded items are needed before hiring, ensuring you are prepared and can create a cohesive, professional appearance for your team.
So you’ve decided it’s time to hire your first employees. You’ve assessed the business needs and determined you can afford to pay wages for each person, and you’re good to go.
But before you put out your ad and start the hiring process, there are a few things you should consider, aside from the legalities of hiring employees, to help you be the best employer possible.
What Type Of Workplace Culture Will You Have?
Knowing from the start what type of workplace culture you want to work towards prior to hiring can empower you with the interview process and retaining employees.
This proactive approach, especially if you have never had employees working for you before, allows you to determine who would be the right fit for the company you run and the culture you want to create. This enables you to build the best team possible with personalities and skills that work well together.
How Will You Accommodate Flexible Working
Depending on the type of business you are running, being flexible with working hours, locations, and core responsibilities can be a strategic move. It will enable you to be a better employer and serve your business and employees well. The more flexible you’re able to be regarding how and when the work is carried out, the more appealing you will be to employees.
If you can accommodate fluctuations and changes and give employees more autonomy over their working schedules, they are more likely to go above and beyond during their working day. Of course, this isn’t feasible for all industries, but if you can work with this, it will serve you well in the long run, making you a forward-thinking and strategic employer.
Will You Have A Uniform
Determining if you need a full uniform, safety equipment, or just branded items with your business logo before the hiring process starts can be a good idea. Making this decision prior to your first hire means you can get your uniform designed and delivered or have a relationship with a supplier in place to make each item as per employees’ size needs once you hire them.
An experienced uniform shop will be able to work with you to determine the right type of uniform for your employees and business to help you create a more streamlined look across all employees.
What Type Of Boss You Will Be
Lastly, understanding the type of boss you want to be or will be capable of being is crucial. This self-awareness will help you move forward as you onboard your first employees.
Modern workers demand a certain level of respect and professionalism from their employers, and harsh working environments are no longer accepted, especially by younger generations. Knowing how to manage employees, get the best from them, effectively communicate, and direct them to get work completed will help you be the best employer possible.
You don’t need to be perfect; you can absolutely learn as you go. However, having a clear idea of how you want to treat people and what your role in this part of your business will be is essential for your confidence and success.
