Starting a new job is exciting, but it can be intimidating too. It’s not only the job that is new, so too are the people, processes, ways of working and culture. Without immediate knowledge of how to get things get done, and who to go to for help, it’s natural that new employees will need time to “get up to speed”.
However, this transition period can be unnerving, triggering a collection of feelings that are described as imposter syndrome - a pervasive sense of self-doubt that is experienced by over 60% of UK workers.
This phenomenon leads people to believe they don't deserve their jobs or success and that they can never meet others' expectations, causing them to feel like frauds in the workplace. Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their seniority or achievements.
Feeling supported in the new job helps overcome these doubts and builds confidence. This helps people trust their skills and abilities, allowing them to navigate challenges, adapt to new environments more effectively, perform at their best and contribute meaningfully to their new workplace.
Helping new employees succeed also results in fewer early leavers, lower recruitment costs, and makes for a much happier individual and team.
Help your new employees succeed:
Inclusive Culture
A culture that encourages communication and treating everyone with respect will create a supportive environment where people feel they can share their concerns and ask for help.
Buddy
Pair new employees with a colleague who is welcoming and can fast-track getting to know your company’s systems and processes.
Eyes Peeled
Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety, overwhelm, withdrawal or procrastination - this could be the first step to offering support.
Expectations
Set clear goals and ensure your new start employee understands their role, responsibilities and what’s expected of them in a specific timeframe.
Feedback
Provide regular, constructive feedback, highlighting achievements and areas of excellence. Supportively discuss areas of training and development.
Balance
Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Over-work, a lack of breaks and rest can create a vicious cycle where people struggling with imposter syndrome over-compensate by working extra hard only to end up struggling to perform.
Celebrate Success
Highlight specific contributions and effort publicly and privately, this helps build confidence and validates the contributions of a new employee.
Mentor
1:1 guidance from more experienced employees can help new starts feel supported. Leaders and senior employees sharing their experiences help normalise the feeling of imposter syndrome.
Development
Offer training to help new employees build their skills and confidence. Encourage a culture of continuous learning facilitating access to courses, workshops and networking.