When someone new joins your service, they are learning all the time, not just during training. They are watching:

• How experienced staff speak to people
• How they handle pressure
• How they respond when something doesn’t go to plan

And without realising it, they start to copy what they see. This is not always a bad thing. It’s how people settle in but it does mean that everyday habits, good or bad, get passed on quickly.

What New Staff Often Pick Up

For example, a new staff member might notice:

• How seriously handovers are taken
• Whether people take time to explain things properly
• How staff speak about service users when they are not present
• Whether shortcuts are seen as “normal”
• How comfortable people feel asking for help

These behaviours are rarely written down, but they shape how someone understands their role.

Why Consistency Matters

This is why consistency across the team matters so much. If different staff take very different approaches, it can leave new starters unsure which one is “right”.

Supporting New Staff in the Right Way

One way to manage this is by being more intentional during those first few weeks:

• Pair new staff with team members who reflect the standards you want to see
• Talk openly about not just what to do, but how and why it’s done that way
• Encourage questions, even if they seem basic
• Gently challenge habits that don’t reflect the level of care you expect

It’s also worth remembering that new staff often notice things others no longer see. Small details that have become routine can stand out to someone joining for the first time. Ensure new starters are copying the correct skills and knowledge by providing your staff team with up to date training. Explore our training using the button below.