Forget Going-Away Parties — Teams Need to Celebrate New Hires Instead

It’s not uncommon for teams to throw parties for employees who are leaving to work somewhere else. After all, that individual likely contributed to the success of their current organization for quite some time. Isn’t rewarding the hard-working outgoing employee who’s simply trying to grow their career the right thing to do?

Maybe in the past. But work is changing. The average millennial is expected to have four jobs by the time they turn 32, according to LinkedIn. When all is said and done, today’s young professionals may have as many as 20 jobs before they call it quits on their career.

Consider the following statistics from Gallup:

• 60% of millennials are open to a new job opportunity right now
• 50% of millennials “strongly agree” they will be at their company one year from today
• 29% of millennials are engaged at work

While employees of yore might have worked for one or two companies over their entire career, it’s safe to say much of the data indicates that is no longer the case. If a good chunk of employees — and younger ones in particular — are likely to view your company as a stepping stone to the next gig, does it really make sense to throw everyone a party after they’ve completed their two-year stint?

Increasingly, managers are deciding to celebrate the arrival of new employees instead of those who have one foot out the door. This is not to say that they’re turning their backs on their workers who’ve taken jobs elsewhere. Companies can still support their outgoing staff members. There’s just less pomp and circumstance.

By adding a celebration into your employee onboarding process, your business will benefit from:

• Rookies feeling welcomed and valued right away: We all know how awkward the first day of a new job can be. Anyone who’s ever had a job where training was abysmal and no one made an effort to include the newbies in the mix knows how uncomfortable the first few weeks can be. By throwing a party to celebrate a new arrival, you’re starting the relationship off on the right foot.
• Seasoned employees looking forward to new blood joining: Who doesn’t like a party? Celebrate newcomers and your veterans will eagerly anticipate their start date. It’s a great way to motivate your team and get staffers from other departments to talk to new employees immediately.
• Your new team getting to know each other even better: Even if have a close-knit team, odds are there are still some members who don’t know each other too well. Have a party every time new blood joins the team, and not only will your rookie employees get to know existing members of the team, but your current workers well get to know each other even better too. A stronger team translates into a better culture, more productivity, and a healthier bottom line.

If your company has celebrated outgoing employees, it may be time to switch things up and see how throwing parties for your newest employees works out. Again, this doesn’t mean you have to shun employees who are leaving. But maybe the most extravagant celebrations should be reserved for the newcomers.

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