Remember the nervous excitement of starting a new job? You woke up early because you didn't want to be late … even though you were a little tired because thoughts of the new job, new company, and new boss wouldn't let you fall right to sleep. If you did a good job of recruiting your new employees, this is just what they are feeling. But what happens? They come to work ready for the challenges of the day … and leave completely brain-dead from information overload. And this is repeated day after day.

Give your new employees a break. You'll both be better off for it.

Instead of starting new employees on Monday, have them start on Wednesday. Why? Because people can really only take in so much new information before their brain (and comprehension) just shuts down. I have found starting new employees with a 3-day week is really beneficial. After three days of new information and faces, having two days off gives them a chance to put all those pieces together.

They come back the following Monday refreshed and, once again, ready to take in more information. This break also gives them a good idea of what items need to be reviewed again for clarity. You'll be surprised at how much easier it is for them to remember information you've relayed when they've had that break.

Although I've always loved the idea of a 2-day workweek and 5-day weekend, this isn't it. The 3-day workweek is only the first week of their employment. They are ready for a full week after that.

Another reason I like Wednesday for a starting day is that it will usually give them at least 4 days off since leaving their previous job. Employees need to decompress between jobs. A few days off to let go of the old job, mentally and emotionally, will leave them more relaxed when starting to work for you.

If you don't believe the 3-day workweek will help, just remember the last time you attended even a 1-day workshop … studies show you only remembered about 10% of everything you heard. Is that really what you want or expect from your new employees?