3 min read

Building Feedback Habits for New Employees

Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting. As employers, it’s crucial to set new hires up for success from day one. One of the most effective ways to do this is by fostering a culture of feedback right from the beginning. Building good feedback habits early on can lead to better communication, improved performance, and increased job satisfaction. Let’s explore how to cultivate these habits for new employees.

1. Start with Onboarding

The onboarding process is the perfect time to introduce feedback as a core part of your company culture. Make it clear that feedback is not just welcome but expected. Explain the various channels through which feedback can be given and received.

During this phase, you can introduce tools like TeamBotic, a SaaS platform that helps companies collect feedback from employees directly through Slack. By integrating such tools early, you’re setting the stage for consistent feedback practices.

2. Lead by Example

New employees often look to their managers and senior colleagues for cues on how to behave. Demonstrate the importance of feedback by actively seeking it and giving it to others. When leaders show vulnerability and openness to feedback, it creates a psychological safety net for new hires to do the same.

3. Implement Regular Check-ins

Establish a routine of regular check-ins with new employees. These don’t have to be lengthy meetings – even quick, informal chats can be effective. Use this time to give and receive feedback, address any concerns, and discuss progress.

TeamBotic’s Pulse Check feature can be particularly useful here. It allows managers to quickly gauge how their new team members are feeling through short Slackbot messages. This can help identify any issues early on and prompt timely discussions.

4. Encourage Peer Feedback

Feedback shouldn’t just come from managers. Encourage new employees to seek and give feedback to their peers. This helps build stronger team relationships and provides a more rounded view of performance.

The Team 360 feature of TeamBotic can facilitate this process by regularly prompting team members to rate their experiences working with each other. This creates a habit of consistent peer feedback from the get-go.

5. Provide Training on Giving and Receiving Feedback

Effective feedback is a skill that can be learned. Offer training sessions on how to give constructive feedback and how to receive feedback gracefully. This can help new employees feel more comfortable with the process and improve the quality of feedback exchanged.

6. Make Feedback Specific and Actionable

Teach new employees the importance of specific, actionable feedback. Vague comments like “good job” or “needs improvement” aren’t very helpful. Instead, encourage detailed feedback that highlights specific behaviors or outcomes.

7. Create a Feedback-Friendly Environment

Foster an environment where feedback is seen as a tool for growth rather than criticism. Celebrate instances where feedback has led to positive changes. This helps new employees see the value of feedback and encourages them to engage in the process.

8. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Leverage technology to make feedback easy and accessible. Tools like TeamBotic can lower the friction associated with giving feedback. The platform’s ad-hoc feedback feature allows employees to quickly jot down feedback for their colleagues, making it more likely that they’ll develop a habit of regular feedback.

9. Make Feedback a Two-Way Street

Encourage new employees to give feedback about their onboarding experience, their role, and the company. This not only provides valuable insights but also reinforces the idea that feedback flows in all directions within the organization.

10. Be Patient and Consistent

Building habits takes time. Be patient with new employees as they learn to navigate the feedback process. Consistently reinforce the importance of feedback and provide gentle reminders when necessary.

A study by the Harvard Business Review found that organizations with a strong feedback culture are more likely to have higher employee engagement and lower turnover rates. By implementing these strategies, you’re not just helping new employees – you’re building a stronger, more communicative organization.

Remember, the goal is to make feedback a natural, everyday part of work life. With tools like TeamBotic and a consistent approach, you can help new employees develop strong feedback habits that will serve them – and your organization – well throughout their careers.

Building good feedback habits from the start of someone’s employment is an investment in your company’s future. It leads to more engaged employees, better performance, and a more adaptive organization. So, start early, be consistent, and watch as a culture of open communication and continuous improvement takes root in your organization.