It's important to consider which scenario is more likely to make the best first impression.
The first thing to think about is whether the necessary staff members are available to train the new hire and make him or her feel welcome. You may not make a good first impression if there are few people around, so you should schedule a start date when the team is back in full force.
If most of your team will be around, it's fine to have the new employee start before the holidays. Things are likely to be slower and you will have more time to mentor the new employee.
You should also factor holiday celebrations when you are considering the addition of a new team member. A holiday party can be a great place to showcase your culture, but can also make the new person feel like an outsider.
The bottom line is to know your company's holiday culture and make a decision based on the scenario that will make the new hire feel most welcome and successful as he or she starts the new year with your company.
Lisa Throckmorton is EVP at Speakerbox Communications.
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