How to give graduates the best first week at work

At this time of year, thousands of new graduates will be emerging from the warm cocoon of education, and planting their feet on to the first rungs of the teetering career ladder. While these young people may become tomorrow’s CEOs, M&A maestros and decision makers, for many this will feel more like that first day of school – wandering wide-eyed into a new environment, hoping they do everything right. 

• How to make an impact in your first 100 days in a new job

But the importance of making a great first impression works both ways. Talent is at a premium these days, and organisations are crying out for an injection of diverse, fresh skills and ideas. It’s never been more important for managers to hold on to good people when they have them. And according to research by the Brandon Hall Group, a great onboarding process can improve retention by 82%.

The good news is there’s plenty you can do early on to make your ambitious young starters want to stay. Here are five tips for giving new grads a fantastic first week.