Do you have a process to instill company values in new employees? Have you sat down to take a hard look at how that process could be better? If you were to ask veteran employees what the company's values are, would they be able to list off several items? Whether you own your own business or you are an executive or manager of a business, communicating the core values of the company is crucial for employees being on the same page and also for retention. If you think that your method of imparting your company's values and culture could use a little tweaking, then the following tips may be of some help.

Tip #1: Create a strong orientation.

If your new employee orientation consists of a tour of where the bathroom and break room exists, then you could use a much stronger orientation. Employees need to be formally introduced to the values and culture of the new place in which they work. The first few months of a new job can be stressful and unstructured as the employee is learning how to do their new jobs successfully. Therefore, according to Forbes writer Micah Solomon, instead of a bunch of practicalities, an orientation should focus on values, principles, and mission. In addition, you should enlist the top people in your organization to deliver this information, much like the CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company travels anywhere in the world to host their employee orientations.

Tip #2: Be the embodiment of the company's values.

You've heard the phrase,"Lead by example," and this can be the most enduring way to get across the business's values. If you haven't already, you must adjust all your words and actions to be in line with the company's values, and furthermore live up to those values. For example, if one of your company's values is integrity, then you must reprimand anyone who lacks integrity, no matter their position.

Tip #3: View the company's culture as an aspect of your business.

Employees want to stay where they feel they are part of the culture. Once they are instructed on this culture through their orientation and then they see it in action through your leadership style, then they will be more apt to adopt the company's culture and be a more productive employee. However, company culture needs to be an ongoing part of your business. It should not stop at conducting an orientation and that's it. Make a little room in your budget for culture building projects and/or activities. You could even have a committee be in charge of planning the activities.

Tip #4: Recruit the right people.

It is easier to instill company values and culture into a new employee who already fits the mold. This could be a person who has worked for companies with similar visions before, or it could be someone who has personality traits that fit with your company's vision. For example, if your company's values include determination and hard work, then recruit somebody who can show you proof of their degrees earned, positions held, extra duties they performed, etc. You will reap generous benefits from hiring the right people.

Tip #5: Create a repertoire of stories that embody the company values.

People like listening to stories, whether comical, dramatic, or otherwise. People also remember stories more than just boring lists of rules to follow. So, take some time (or even volunteer others to help) to put together some stories that paint a picture of the values you want to convey. You want to make up company legends that can be told over and over again, so these can be real, imaginary, and embellished in order to get your point across. Added benefits of these legends include referring to them at later times.

For instance, say you told the story of "Buckaroo Bill" in exemplifying the correct way of addressing customers. If you notice that an employee could be a little more pleasant towards customers, you could just refer back to the story told at orientation.

We all know that employees need to be on-board with company values from day one. The question that sits with leaders is how to get them on board and keep them there. Try incorporating at least one of the tips listed above for a more rewarding experience for the new employees, which will in turn make your business more prosperous.