Working with new employees: The first couple of months make the difference Published Jan. 8, 2009 By Bob Holby Travis VPP representative TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Air Force, we are used to people being transferred in and out of work centers. Each time it happens, there is a sense of change to the organization. Everyone is curious about the new person, just as he or she is curious about the new job and the new group. Some folks feel nervous in new situations, while others seem able to jump right in as if they had been there for a long time. No matter which type of person we are, I think that you'll find that each of us needs a helping hand during the first couple of months. This time gives us a chance to develop a strong relationship with our new unit, a relationship which can last a long time, and affect not only us, but also the folks around us. If a new person in the shop is welcomed properly, he or she will feel like a part of the group and will be eager to come to work. That person will also develop a solid understanding of the organization and begin to develop trusting relationships. When someone new arrives in your unit, take them under your wing. Introduce them to everyone in the shop and to the other folks they'll be working with. Make the introductions in a positive manner for both the new employee and the rest of the personnel. Let others know that it is important to you that the new person is well-accepted and becomes part of the group. This can be a strong motivator for your co-workers. As we come into a new unit, most of us are very eager to learn about the job and to do things right. The unit can help us maintain that positive attitude by the way we are treated in the first couple of months. Do we let new folks understand how they fit into the larger organization as a whole? Do we take him/her to lunch with us and introduce him to our friends and other co-workers? Do we tell him/her about the local area? Do we bring him/her into our conversations? There can be almost nothing worse than to come to a new unit, get put into our new position, and be left alone, to fend for ourselves. This is not a positive way top begin our duty in a new position and often leads to a poor relationship with the unit, and poor productivity. Safety issues are important to address at this time. Job safety training is required before the employee starts work. the shop orientation must include completing the required job safety training and Air Force Form 55 before the employee starts to work. Explain the base Voluntary Protection Program, which is designed to have each of us fix safety problems when we find them. This program also encourages us to find the best/safest way to get our job done. Let them know where safety equipment is located, where the evacuation route is, any dangerous areas in the workplace, and how to report safety issues. Make sure they know how to get in touch with emergency personnel; 911 from base telephones is the number to call for any type of safety, fire or medical emergency. If you are using a cell phone or a Blackberry call 424-4911. For other safety concerns, each of us has several avenues to get an unsafe situation corrected. The first step is to notify your supervisor. Work with him/her to fix the problem. If you can't fix it, warn others by telling them, posting a sign, or blocking the area. Then report the problem to your unit safety representative, who will ensure it is reported to the proper authorities. If you are unable to report the problem as detailed above, the base has developed a VPP Hazard Reporting Button, located on the base Share Point page. Using this button will allow you to report a safety concern. The report you file will be directed to the unit VPP/safety representative so that action can be taken to correct the situation. With all of the safety and workplace orientation behind you, it's time to start the new employee off in the position. Make sure not to overload him/her at the beginning. Give them a few tasks, and build to a full workload once they are comfortable in the position. Soon they'll be up to full speed and welcoming other new folks into the unit, just as you welcomed them. Remember, the first couple of months in a new position lay the groundwork for the rest of the tour. Take time to welcome new folks, introduce them to coworkers, and ensure they know the safety rules. With this kind of start, they'll be safer and more comfortable, and your unit will be stronger.