If you are recruiting new employees for the first time or searching for ways to bring in fresh staff faster, you may be curious about the best way to onboard. Utilizing employee onboarding best practices can be a crucial element in getting your workers – and your company – off to a successful start. What should you know to set up the process? Let’s figure it out.
In this article, we will discuss what employee onboarding is, the reason why it is important, the ideal time to start the process, the steps to include, and guidelines for implementation. By the finish, you should be aware of the key components of a successful employee onboarding program for your new recruits.
What is employee onboarding?
Bringing a new hire into an organization is what onboarding is about. This process encompasses activities that enable a new recruit to become familiar with the company, its core goals, and its ethos. The purpose of onboarding is to foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety among new hires by helping them transition from the excitement of getting the job to a feeling of stability. To ensure a smooth introduction, it is important to start the onboarding process prior to the first day, and to keep it going for some time afterwards.
When does onboarding start?
The onboarding process should ideally begin before the employee’s first day. This stage is typically labelled preboarding, and can commence when the applicant has accepted the job.
During the time in between their acceptance and commencement day, it is possible to generate excitement and make sure the employee has all the tools they need to be successful. This may include:
- make sure any needed equipment is ready
- set up their access to technology
- provide benefit information, required notices, and other necessary paperwork
- share the employee handbook
- send them company swag
- If applicable, let them know where to park
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s beneficial to take steps prior to the arrival of a new employee. Doing this will lessen their apprehension and allow them to start contributing immediately.
After they come on board, it is recommended to have an onboarding plan in place that lasts for 90-days to guarantee that all the necessary tasks have been completed.
What should be included in my employee onboarding process?
Having a thorough onboarding process is vital to ensure new employees have the necessary resources to succeed in their roles quickly. When creating a plan, consider including the following elements: training, orientation, introductions, access to relevant information, and feedback. By taking the time to provide a comprehensive onboarding experience, you will help ensure your new employees get off to a great start.
- Provide a guided tour:Accompany new employees to meet their colleagues and team members, or arrange video conferences should they be working remotely. Direct the new hires to their work area and indicate where the restroom and kitchen are located.
- Check paperwork:Have new workers meet with Human Resources staff to ensure that all essential documentation and information has been submitted and to answer any queries. If you use an onboarding program, this can be done in a hassle-free, self-service manner.
- Discuss policies:Explain payroll processes as well as company rules such as work hours, submitting leave requests and how to clock in and out. Additionally, outline expected communication behaviours they should adopt in their role.
- Organise training: Make sure all employees have the necessary instruction, compliance, and technical training required for them to perform their job effectively – whether through an LMS or an alternative.
- Offer a colleague, instructor, or coach:Even without an official mentorship arrangement, pair the new employee with a successful team member who can assist them in their initial few weeks at work.
- Design assignments:Don’t be hesitant to provide new recruits with duties. While they may need to spend some time getting acquainted with the organization, its team, and job regulations, a task will give them a chance to acquire hands-on knowledge. And make certain to give a timeline.
- Ensure you stay in touch at regular intervals: Employees prefer to get regular feedback, and this remains valid for new staff. Have a weekly meeting during their first month to make them feel welcomed and secure. Additionally, organize social events with other colleagues to help them make connections and become part of the team.
- Keep up the onboarding process: Demonstrate that you care about them by continually providing them with the tools to succeed. Encourage their ongoing learning, discuss their career plans and ask how you can be of assistance. This extended approach can contribute significantly to boosting their commitment and staying power.
Why is good onboarding so important?
Implementing a well-defined process for employee onboarding will not only help new hires to become successful, but also bring other advantages.
- Successful employee onboarding can promote higher productivity, with organizations seeing up to 54% gains in new hire performance.
- Additionally, it can result in higher loyalty and retention of staff, as 93% of employees state that a positive onboarding experience is an important factor in deciding to stay with a company.
- Finally, a well-structured onboarding plan can boost the culture of the organization, enabling new team members to get a better understanding of the values and purpose of their role.
- Enhancing involvement. Establishing an atmosphere of motivated, delighted, and invested personnel starts with their initiation procedure. Through an organized plan and proactive induction, you will notice increased engagement levels.
Bottom Line
If your organization doesn’t have a strategy or could use additional guidance, a good first step is to understand what’s involved in creating a hiring process for your business.
SW HR Consulting has been helping companies to build their teams and values for over 10 years. Contact us to find out more about our unique hr outsourcing services and see how our expertise can benefit you.
