We currently have set dates for start dates for new employees for a couple of reasons that I will not go into right now. I wanted to find out if other companies simply hire someone and have them start when that person can or if other companies hire someone and have the start on specific dates of the month. We try to limit hire dates to the 1st of the month and the 7th and 22nd of a month to match the start of our pay periods. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Do any companies have set dates for starting new employees?
Answers
I no longer recommend this practice. (Sometimes with pushback from HR). I think "set dates for employee start" is an example of outdated practices that still permeate current ones.
1. Your interview and on boarding procedures and available payroll TECHNOLOGY should have taken care of this.
2. As per personal experience and unless the role is URGENTLY needed (like I need you tomorrow), I usually give the employee a few start date options to include HIS CHOICE. Explaining to him the "consequences" of the start dates (i.e, he may have to wait for the next payroll cycle if he chooses one that is after a "cut-off" date). I also advocated for employees have a small "advance" (at first pay period which is technically not an advance as he/she already worked for it) that can be deducted to the next salary cycle where he/she is included. Employees understand the situation and usually appreciate the help (advance) accorded to them.
I would go further and ask you.....Is your problem employee start dates or your payroll service coupled with a "wanting" onboarding process?
the problem is not payroll. we have some government work we do and the way our timekeeping system was setup to make the process easier to deal with cost-plus contracts has created the issue/question/concern. We used to not worry about it until we started doing more and more government work with cost-plus contracts.
You might want to rephrase your question....because as it is....it is confusing (at least to me).
Then in your response you say this...
"...the way our timekeeping system was setup to make the process easier to deal with cost-plus contracts" THEN "... until we started doing more and more government work with cost-plus contracts".
Your system was designed to easily process cost-plus contracts....until you had govt cost plus contracts?
On the positive side, at least you have my answer to your start date question.