On boarding new hires

Engineers as a group generally want to spend as little time on the logistics of starting a new job as they can, and want to start contributing to your team as quickly as possible. What can you do to support them?

If you're relocating a new hire, there's a lot you can do in helping them adapt to their new home. Beyond just covering expenses and moving, you might provide small personal touches like guides to great local restaurants, entertainment, and amenities. Organizing a social event or outing for your new hire and their teammates is beneficial for everyone on the team and an appropriate welcome for your new employee.

Engineers generally have a clear idea of what equipment they're going to need on day one. Communicate with new hires and make sure they have all the computing hardware and software they need in addition to whatever essentials your current team calls for. It should go without saying that an engineer's desk should be set up and ready when they walk in the...