Understanding the first day
The first day shapes how employees feel about their decision to join your company. Research shows employees who have positive first-day experiences are significantly more likely to stay long-term. It's your opportunity to confirm they made the right choice.
First day goals
- Make them feel welcome
- Complete essential paperwork
- Provide basic orientation
- Set expectations
First day impact
- Shapes first impressions
- Affects engagement
- Influences retention
- Sets the tone
Preparing for day one
Preparation before the employee arrives is essential:
Pre-arrival checklist
Structuring the first day
- Morning: Welcome, tour, introductions, workstation setup
- Mid-morning: Compliance paperwork and documentation
- Lunch: Team lunch or buddy lunch
- Afternoon: Basic training, systems overview, Q&A
- End of day: Manager check-in, next day preview
Avoid information overload
The first day is overwhelming by nature. Focus on essentials and save detailed training for later. A new employee can only absorb so much. Better to have them leave feeling positive than exhausted.
First day compliance
Required documents
- TFN declaration form
- Super choice form
- Employment contract
- Fair Work Information Statement
Additional items
- Emergency contact form
- Bank details for payroll
- Policy acknowledgments
- ID copies for records
Common first day mistakes
Being unprepared
No desk, no computer, no one expecting them. This is the single biggest first day failure - it tells new employees they don't matter.
Leaving them alone
Don't strand new employees at their desk with nothing to do. Ensure their schedule is full and someone is with them throughout the day.
Information overload
Cramming too much training and information into day one. New employees can only absorb so much - spread learning across the first weeks.
Key takeaways
A well-planned first day sets new employees up for success and confirms their decision to join your company. Focus on making them feel welcome while completing essential compliance - leave the heavy training for later.
RosterElf's employee management helps Australian businesses manage new starters from day one with easy rostering, time tracking, and leave management.
