All new hires should be given a fair chance to acclimate to their new position and get used to the way things are done within your company. However, after some time, you may start noticing signs that the onboarding period simply isn’t going well for your new employee.
So how can you tell if it’s just new-hire jitters or if they’re not a good fit for the role? To help, 10 members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) weigh in on the following question:
“What’s one sign that onboarding isn’t going well and that the new hire might not be a good fit for the role?”
Here’s what they recommend you look out for.
1. Mistreatment of Other People
“I constantly watch to observe how they respect their supervisors and coworkers. That reveals a lot about their character, intended length of stay, and level of dedication to the position. They won’t be a suitable match for the business if they refuse to follow the rules or seem disinterested while speaking with supervisors. Saint Investment Group’s Nic DeAngelo
2. Repeated Errors
“Learning the new work culture and methods of doing things takes time for a recruit. However, some applicants continue to make errors after being reminded repeatedly. Simply put, they are unable to follow directions. Someone like that is not someone you want on the team if you have them. Wholesale Suite, Josh Kohlbach
3. Ignored Recommendations
“The applicant disregarding feedback indicates that onboarding isn’t going well and the new employee may not be a suitable match for the position. No matter how seasoned they are, a good recruit will always learn the team dynamics and new methods. You know you have the incorrect individual on the team if they aren’t recording the input. (OptinMonster) Thomas Griffin
4. Conflict With Current Employees
“Getting along poorly with current coworkers indicates that onboarding a recruit isn’t going well. This may signify coldness and negativity, resulting in a sour mood. Recruits must arrive full of energy and the desire to work with everyone. Formidable Forms, Stephanie Wells
5. Rejection of Procedures
“New personnel who disagree with protocols are often a bad match. It’s OK for a new employee to inquire about the rationale behind decisions to fully comprehend. Still, it’s unacceptable for them to challenge established practices only because they don’t agree with them. Opportunities to provide fresh ideas will arise, but new personnel must initially demonstrate their ability to follow instructions. MattressInsider.com’s Jonathan Prichard
6. Unreliable Communications
“Unexpected delays and a communication breakdown are often telltale symptoms of a poor match. Effective hires often make errors and seek quick feedback. Similar experiences working with A-players we’ve hired have happened to us at Fractal. Without any follow-up contact, challenges with deadlines for deliverables are a clue that a recruit is having trouble and may not be a good match. Fractal, Brent Liang
7. Unfavorable Comments from the Team
On an individual level, onboarding often fails. Most failures in a job with a defined role will be due to interpersonal abilities that were overlooked during the interview process. Check-in often with the new employee as well as the reliable team members who are working nearby. It’s probably time for someone to go if they give you a different impression than what your team is reporting. MRCA Jason Azevedo
8. Asking No Questions
“It is a warning sign if the new employee asks no questions about workplace culture. Onboarding doesn’t include giving the recruit all the details in a predetermined way. It entails constructing a setting that facilitates their transition into the character. If you are teaching them everything, they may find it difficult to survive on their own once you have left the scene. Encourage them to ask inquiries. Don’t tell; demonstrate. Candice Georgiadis is quoted in Digital Day.
9. A disregard for details
A lack of attention to detail is one indication we look for when determining if a candidate is a suitable match for a post. They may not be suitable for the position if they don’t appear to care about the tiny things. It’s important to address these concerns as soon as possible and to help the new employee, but if they persist in displaying a lack of attention to detail, it could be time to fire them. WPBeginner Syed Balkhi
10. Lack of Dedication
“While it takes time for all new hires to establish their skills, commitment—or the lack thereof—is often visible immediately. It’s often a significant red signal if a new hire isn’t completely participating in the job training, whether it’s via tardiness, early departure, or even simply failing to ask the questions that any devoted new employee would have. Carolina Dozer, Kyle Michaud