Onboarding is the process businesses go through to welcome new hires into the workplace. These activities enable fresh workers to be familiar with the establishment, their colleagues, and their tasks.
The primary purpose of onboarding is to align the skills of the staff to the demands of their duties while giving them memorable experiences that will encourage them to stay within the company. Once they have theoretical and practical knowledge, they will likely have higher performance levels while positively interacting with their employers and co-workers.
This article provides six practical keys to ensuring the success of employee onboarding.
1. Begin The Activity Before The Start Date
Successful companies start the onboarding process before the new staff’s official start date. This is the period between the acceptance of job offers and the first work day when the human resources (HR) department and the employer anticipate the arrival of the new hires. The main objective of this strategy is to create an engaging experience for the staff so managers can set them up for an effective employee onboarding process.
Since this strategy helps set up new hires within the business, the HR staff must keep their new hires engaged before their start date. For instance, they might invite the new employees to have a casual meeting so they can open up to new colleagues and their managers. Then, they should send them official onboarding documents, which include their health benefits enrollments, payroll details, and non-disclosure agreements.
2. Develop Exciting And Personalized Orientation
For businesses, orientation is a one-time activity where managers and staff welcome new hires to the workplace. The main objective of this step is to introduce them to their colleagues and give them a first-hand experience as they tour the commercial space. During this process, they will likely be more comfortable with their duties and adapt to the new office setting by receiving vital information.
Since practical orientation is vital to the success of this process, HR managers must develop exciting activities using an employee onboarding tool to welcome new hires. When creating a fun orientation process, they might consider giving this casual event a fun theme so the employees can have a sense of belonging with other experienced staff. In addition, they must look for collaborative activities that will provide them with multiple opportunities to highlight their strengths as they showcase the abilities they will add to the workplace.
3. Explain The Workplace Culture
Work culture is the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that create the whole ambiance within an office environment. This element is directly influenced by management, leadership, policies, workplace practices, and employees. Companies with a positive workplace culture can attract the best talent, increase employee satisfaction, and boost active engagement.
Since work culture can directly affect the retention of employees in the onboarding process, HR managers should explain this element to their new hires. To do so, they must communicate the company’s vision, mission, and values while showcasing their ethics. Additionally, they must permit their new employees to ask relevant questions to encourage them to engage with the organization’s culture and become more participative in the activities.
4. Delegate A Buddy System
An onboarding buddy is a long-time worker who serves as the guide for the new employees throughout the process. The purpose of this supportive employee is to assist their trainees as they adapt to the organization and their specific duties by educating them about daily operations. This individual will also introduce them to other team members so they can bridge the gap in social connections while answering their questions.
Since having a buddy is essential in onboarding, HR managers must delegate this system to make their new hires more comfortable in social settings. When creating this strategy, they have to develop basic guidelines, set achievable expectations, and make sure that assigned buddies are accessible. When selecting participants, business leaders must look for the ones who can be powerful models while exemplifying the positive values of the organization.
5. Create Performance-Based Training
In performance-reliant training, new hires can think of immediate responses to reduce the risk of work-related situations. During this process, the HR team can set expectations and provide constructive feedback on the trainees’ performances to guide them in learning new skills. Instead of having theoretical knowledge, they can use their strengths and abilities to produce a specific outcome that they can use once they deal with their day-to-day tasks.
Since performance-based training can improve the productivity of new hires during and after the onboarding process, HR managers have to adopt this technique. When developing this strategy, they must match task-reliant activities to realistic situations and prioritize ‘building block’ skills so employees can hit their monthly quotas. Furthermore, they must provide them with self-learning tools to feel like they have an active role in their career development rather than stagnating.
6. Organize Social Events
A corporate event is where organizational leaders create a forum where they can communicate their messages to their employees and potential investors. This social gathering is where new hires can develop connections with their colleagues and build satisfying feelings about the business. In turn, they will feel proud of being part of the company, which empowers them to stay committed to their duties that contribute to company growth.
Since corporate events can improve the onboarding process, business owners have to organize different social gatherings to boost the commitment and engagement of new hires. When planning these activities, they should set a realistic budget, select a fun yet professional theme, and create a project timeline. Then, they have to collaborate with local events places and look for planners who can effectively plan the logistics of the entire gathering to avoid leaving negative experiences to the employees.
Key Takeaway
Business owners and HR managers should always ensure that their staff is satisfied with their work environment to inspire them to be committed to their tasks. Therefore, they must be able to include these six keys to ensure successful employee onboarding. Once they do so, they might encourage their new hires to stay within the company, reduce employee turnover, and create a positive work culture.
