The first days and weeks of a new job can set the course for an employee's entire career with your company. Here are six steps you can take to get new employees started on the right track.

1. Start before the new employee arrives
Successful onboarding takes upfront effort. Evaluate your current process by asking recent recruits how it went for them. What would they like to see changed? Prepare your team by circulating the new hire’s background information. Be sure they know what the new hire will be doing and how he or she will interact with them.

2. Set the stage
There's nothing less welcoming than arriving to a barren workspace or, even worse, one with the previous occupant's things. Have the employee's nameplate, badge, safety gear, business cards and other supplies in place. Prepare the employee's computer and phone, together with instructions for set-up and use. Provide an information packet with your company mission statement, employee handbook, organization chart, and employee phone directory.

3. Extend a warm welcome
Be there for the new person – literally. The immediate supervisor should be on-hand to welcome the new arrival. It's awkward to sit in a reception area, feeling adrift and watching the flow of incoming workers.

4. Keep it friendly
Assign a "buddy" to answer questions and mentor the new employee during the early days. Having a "go-to" person can help a new recruit feel more comfortable during the early days on the job. Take the new employee to lunch during the first week.

5. Have an onboarding plan
Have an itinerary for the new employee's first week. Include time for benefits enrollment and other HR-related activities. But, also plan time with colleagues and others important to the new employee’s role.

6. Make it work
During the first week, give the new employee assignments associated with their actual job. Choose tasks that familiarize the new employee with his or her role and the company. Keep them achievable to build confidence. Check in frequently to answer questions and review the employee's progress.

At the end of the (work)day, successful onboarding results in a good return on your recruitment investment – and in an employee who is proud to be part of your organization.