They’re new and (hopefully) eager to learn. You’re running a million miles an hour and daunted by the challenge of giving entry-level workers the management attention they deserve and need. Not to worry. Armed with these pro tips, you can manage any entry-level employees successfully. 

Tip #1: Expect the unexpected

As a manager of entry-level employees, you need to be ready for two things: anything and everything. Since these workers are inexperienced about what it takes to thrive in a work setting, they’ll likely have more individual idiosyncrasies than you’re used to seeing in more seasoned employees.

Throughout training let them know you expect and encourage any questions, even ones that may seem basic. You’ll also want to be more mindful than ever to make training general instead of personal. Tell them “this is one way this has been done successfully in the past” rather than “Brandon, you need to do things the way everyone else has always done this.” This will make training feel less like an assessment of individual skills and more like a series of teachable moments. 

Tip #2: Encourage with an eye on retention

Business author Daniel Pink talks about autonomy, mastery and purpose as three key drivers for all employees. While it’s too soon to give entry-level workers autonomy and it’ll take time for them to master their crafts, you can give them a strong sense of purpose from day one.

Let your entry-level workers know that what they’re doing, no matter how seemingly trivial, is integral to your operation’s overall success. Employees with a strong sense of purpose are much less likely to bounce between jobs and more willing to do “above and beyond” tasks before having to be asked.

Tip #3: Equip them (literally) for success

There’s another relationship that can help entry-level employees succeed and that’s the one they have with the equipment they’ll be using daily. The right equipment can put them (and you) in a position to succeed. 

Ovention Matchbox® 1718, for example, requires very little training compared to a traditional conveyor oven. Its proprietary technology moves the cooking surface (and food) into the cavity at the touch of a button and automatically out of the cavity once the cook cycle has been completed. Plus, it saves operators four steps compared to a manual load oven, eliminating wasted staff time and simplifying use. 

Managing entry-level employees isn’t easy, but it can be rewarding. In fact, it can help give you a greater sense of purpose as you see them survive and thrive in their jobs. Accept the real challenge and embrace the potential chaos. The ultimate reward is huge.