Remember your first day at a new job and the feelings of awkwardness and uncertainty that come with being the newbie? Did your new co-workers give you a warm welcome and take steps to make sure you felt welcomed?
Inclusiveness is the quality of including all sections of society and making them feel welcomed. This social acceptance and interaction in the workplace can reduce stress and enhance the well-being of employees.
Humans, by nature, are social beings and naturally seek out a community. They thrive when they have support and a sense of belonging. With the start of the new school year, parents are acutely aware for the need of friendships for their children; yet, often are so busy they can overlook the same need for their co-workers, especially new employees.
If you are looking for a way to help make others feel welcome, think of incorporating some small, yet significant actions or activities into your workplace culture. TVH has a Buddy Program which connects new hires with existing employees known as Buddy Ambassadors.
“A lot of effort goes into making [the program] happen,” said Elizabeth Gund, TVH Training Coordinator, who oversees the program. “This program would not be possible without the help and dedication of our Buddy Volunteers.” We make sure to pair our new employees with someone in another department. This helps them to learn more about different areas in the company and develops a strong sense of interdepartmental collaboration.
These buddies help new employees feel welcomed in those important and sometimes stressful first few months of employment. During this time, the Buddy Ambassadors make a point to get to know the new employee, show them around, take breaks with them, answer questions, but most importantly be a friendly face and make sure the employee feels welcomed and connected.
“When I started at TVH everyone was very welcoming, but the Buddy Program gave me that “go to” person if I had any questions. [My buddy] was checking in on me to make sure I was adjusting to the new job,” said Receptionist Kate Scott.
Purchasing Specialist Susan Allman has been a Buddy Ambassador since the program began and spoke highly of the relationships she has formed during the pairings. “I learn as much from them as they do from me. I love being a resource that they can use when they first start and even after that. I would consider the people I’ve been paired with as good friends now and without this opportunity I would have never met them.”
Other programs TVH offers to increase connectivity in the workplace are: TVHMentor, TVHCares and New Hire Orientations. These programs bring employees together and in the process help enrich lives and nurture friendships. A company culture like TVH’s that nurtures kindness and inclusivity elevates moral, productivity and wellbeing.
If you would like to know more about TVH and the Nudge Health and Wellness programs, contact Lucy DelSarto, Health & Wellness Coach for TVH Americas, at lucy.delsarto@tvh.com.
