At Hire Energy, we know that the first day on the job can set the tone for an employee’s entire experience. In this video, Dane Reese shares the key elements that make onboarding successful—clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and a welcoming environment. From ensuring someone is there to greet the new hire to setting up their email and desk in advance, these small acts speak volumes. He emphasizes the importance of matching new employees with mentors who can actually teach—not just perform—and the value of human connection in those early moments. Onboarding done right leads to stronger retention, more engaged workers, and better long-term outcomes for your team.
5 Key Takeaways
First Impressions Matter
Starting a new job is stressful—don’t make it harder. A well-organized first day eases nerves and builds trust.
Be Prepared Before They Arrive
Have their email, name tag, desk, and tools ready. Avoid delays that make them feel forgotten.
Assign the Right Mentor
Top performers aren’t always the best trainers. Choose mentors who communicate clearly and encourage hands-on learning.
Human Connection Drives Retention
Introducing new hires to coworkers and helping them make friends at work increases the chance they’ll stay long term.
Treat New Hires Like People, Not Just Positions
Respect their time, welcome them warmly, and let them know they matter from Day One.
“The sooner they find a friend at work, the sooner they’re going to feel at home—and the more likely they are to be retained.”
Set the Tone with Intentional Onboarding
At Hire Energy, we believe onboarding is more than just paperwork and checklists. It’s a chance to create a meaningful first impression and show new employees that they’re a valued part of the team from the start. As Dane Reese explains, that first day should feel intentional—not like the company just remembered someone new was starting. A welcoming environment, thoughtful touches, and a clear plan for the day can make a huge difference in how new hires feel about their future at your company.
Prepare Like It Matters
Onboarding doesn’t begin when the employee walks in the door—it starts the moment they receive their offer letter. Make sure they know where to go, who to ask for, and what time to arrive. When they show up, someone should be ready to greet them. Their workspace should be clean and set up with essentials like a computer, login credentials, a name tag, and any tools they’ll need. Being prepared shows respect and helps new hires feel confident that they’ve joined a professional, organized team. Scrambling to get IT support or find them a seat sends the opposite message.
Choose the Right Mentor
A common mistake in onboarding is assuming that your top-performing employee is automatically the best person to train someone new. But as Dane points out, not every great worker is a great communicator. Effective training requires patience, clear explanations, and hands-on guidance. A good mentor will take time to let the new hire try tasks on their own, answer questions, and offer feedback. Whether it’s an industrial job or a corporate position, having the right trainer makes all the difference in how quickly and confidently someone gets up to speed.
Create a Sense of Belonging from Day One
Connection is a key part of employee satisfaction. When someone starts a new job, they’re looking for signs that they’ll fit in. That’s why it’s important to introduce them to their coworkers, give them a tour, and include them in team activities early on. Even something as simple as having lunch with a peer or chatting over coffee can help a new hire feel like they belong. As Dane says, when people make a friend at work, they’re more likely to stay. Retention isn’t just about salary or benefits—it’s about feeling like part of a team.
Build Loyalty from the Very First Step
Onboarding is more than checking off boxes—it’s an investment in your workforce. At Hire Energy, we help our clients create onboarding experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and commitment. Whether it’s staffing a healthcare facility or an oilfield team, we know that a strong start leads to better results.
Ready to improve your onboarding process? Contact Hire Energy today to build stronger teams from Day One.
