About Onboarding

When it comes to onboarding, it's all about helping new employees settle into their roles and the company smoothly. It's not just about paperwork and training; it's a process that takes a few weeks or months. During this time, new employees get introduced to their team, learn about the company's culture, and receive the necessary training and support. The goal is to make them feel comfortable, ensure they understand their responsibilities, and give them the tools they need to succeed. Good onboarding strategies set the stage for long-term success and help new employees feel welcomed and valued.

The Four Phases of Onboarding

PRE-ONBOARDING

The process begins before the new employee even sets foot in the office. Keep the lines of communication open, ensuring that they are prepared and excited about joining the team. Share information that gives a brief idea about how your company works and what their first week will look like.



The First Day

On the first day, the focus should be on orientation and welcoming the new employee. Focus on giving them a clear picture of your company. Introduce them to the team and provide an overview of the company culture. Cover the basics like employment contract details, insurance, holidays, and work hours.

Training

Training is the cornerstone of onboarding. This phase equips the employee with the specific skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their role. Lack of proper training can result in dissatisfaction and high turnover rates.

Transition to a Regular Colleague

The final phase is about transforming the new hire into a committed, long-term team member. Regular check-ins can help gauge their comfort level and address any issues before they escalate.

ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY 

A well-structured onboarding process ensures that new employees quickly gain the knowledge and skills they need to become productive contributors to your business. By familiarizing them with company policies, procedures, and tools, you can minimize the learning curve and optimize their output sooner.

IMPROVED EMPLOYEE RETENTION

Studies have shown that organizations with robust onboarding programs experience higher employee retention rates. When new employees feel supported, valued, and connected to their roles and colleagues, they are more likely to remain with the company for an extended period. This reduces turnover costs, preserves institutional knowledge, and fosters a sense of stability within the workforce.

ACCELERATED TIME-TO-COMPETENCE 

The onboarding process is instrumental in expediting the time it takes for new employees to become fully competent in their roles. By providing comprehensive training and mentorship, you can bridge any knowledge gaps and equip them with the necessary skills to excel. This allows your business to benefit from their expertise and contributions sooner, without compromising quality.

CULTIVATION OF COMPANY CULTURE

During onboarding, new employees get to learn about the values, mission, and vision of the company. This helps them feel like they belong and understand what the company is all about. It also helps them fit in with their team and adopt the right attitudes and behaviors. When everyone shares the same values and works well together, it creates a positive work environment and makes employees more engaged in their work.

INCREASED EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION

A thoughtful onboarding experience demonstrates your commitment to supporting and investing in new employees. When individuals feel welcomed and supported from the beginning, they are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction. This positive sentiment can positively impact their motivation, performance, and overall happiness at work.

Want some inspiration on how to enhance your onboarding process? Check out the links below:

• BambooHR - 10 powerful onboarding activities to try
• Indeed - Onboarding Best Practises
• Asana - Employee Onboarding Template
• LinkedIn - Onboarding Blogs, Experiences and Tips
• Leading Edge - Onboarding Best Practises Guide (PDF)