It’s not easy to recruit physicians and nurses, especially from afar. In addition to ensuring their smooth relocation, it’s key to set them up for success.
That means helping them adjust to their new surroundings and connect with their new colleagues. Because when employees feel that they’re part of a team, good things happen.
They’re more engaged. They perform at a higher level. And they’re more likely to remain your employee, which is no small thing.
Here’s why it matters—and some thoughts on doing it well.
The Business Case for Creating Community
Making new hires feel welcome is more than a nice thing to do. It’s good for business. Consider these findings.
Teamwork = Less Burnout
Healthcare professionals have long struggled with burnout, but since COVID, it’s skyrocketed. However, researchers found that those who work in close-knit teams are far less likely to suffer from burnout versus those who feel isolated.
Work Friendships Fuel Retention
According to Gallup, employees who have a “best friend” at work are 54% less likely to pursue new jobs and 66% more likely to call their organization a great place to work. Whether soldiering through a tough day together or helping a friend decompress post-shift, a single friendship helps keep employees on course.
Camaraderie Creates Resilience
“United we stand” is real. One British hospital study found that camaraderie among frontline workers during COVID helped buffer staff against emotional trauma. Teammates who trust each other better support each other.
In short, workplace community is a powerful asset. So, how can you best welcome newly relocated professionals into the fold?
5 Ways to Help New Healthcare Hires Feel Connected
Forging relationships and adapting to new environments takes time, but there are ways to speed up the process. Here’s our top five.
1. Assign a Peer Mentor
Finding a “best friend” doesn’t happen overnight, but in the meantime, the next best thing is having a dedicated guide.
So, pair that new hire with someone to show them the ropes for the first few months. The ideal pick: a staffer who previously relocated and understands the challenges firsthand.
2. Create Opportunities for Social Interaction
Often, the personal side of fitting in is toughest. Make sure your managers warmly welcome new hires and introduce them to all team members. Organized receptions, casual coffees, and after-hours events all help newcomers connect with colleagues.
3. Make It a Family Affair
Newly relocated employees are only as happy as their unhappiest family members. Help families adapt by hosting family-friendly events where spouses and kids can meet. Offer spousal employment assistance if warranted.
For families from faraway cultures, offering Destination Services—a formal cultural assimilation program is helpful. Your relocation provider should have this service available; learn more about UrbanBound’s program here.
4. Make “Pre-boarding” Your Secret Weapon
Research indicates that robust onboarding programs improve performance and retention. With pre-boarding, you’re simply starting that process before relocation.
This involves introducing new hires to various facets of your organization (your values, standards, culture, etc.) and area (housing market, school systems, local highlights, etc.). Not only will newcomers feel at home faster, they’ll make more informed decisions, too.
Pre-boarding programs don’t need to be labor-intensive. UrbanBound’s online relocation platform has a whole section devoted to this, so it’s easy to put essential information right at your employees’ fingertips.
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5. Encourage Co-Worker Connections Pre-Move
You don’t need to wait until new hires arrive to start building co-worker connections. Ask their peer mentor—or better yet, their soon-to-be team—to email or message them in advance, welcoming them and offering a few useful tips.
Or, take it to the next level with Co-Worker Insights, a popular feature of our software. Here, employees can offer incoming peers their best insider suggestions: where to park, favorite lunch spots, commuting shortcuts, etc.
This not only helps newcomers get the lay of the land, it displays their soon-to-be colleagues in a positive light, setting the stage for supportive relationships that create real community.
Looking for more ways to set your new healthcare hires up for success, during and post-relocation? We can help! There’s a reason so many of the top names in healthcare entrust us with their relocation program. See for yourself.
