FEBRUARY 10

Start new hires off on a good note.

SING THEIR PRAISES

New-employee orientation is the best time, most experts agree, to begin the formal-recognition process. A small award during the first few weeks on the job helps bond a new hire to an organization—and to you, their boss—and helps retain the employee during the stressful training period.

On one survey, 90 percent of people were able to recite their date of hire and the details of their first day on the job. As a boss, you only get one chance at that first day. Make it count! If do you it right, there will be lots of positive days to follow.