When hiring, it is essential to not only find the right talent but also to ensure that they have the best onboarding experience possible. The onboarding process sets the tone for the employee’s entire experience at the company. It is the first impression that they will have of your company, and it can either motivate or discourage them from staying with the organisation. Here are some tips on how to provide the best onboarding experience for your staff:
- Develop a consistent approach
Having a consistent approach to onboarding will help ensure that every new employee receives the same level of attention and support. Develop (and document!) a clear onboarding process that outlines the steps, timeline, and goals for each stage. This process should be communicated to all employees involved in the onboarding process, so everyone is on the same page.
- Get leadership involved
Having leadership involved early on in the onboarding process helps create a sense of belonging for the new employee. It shows that the company values them and is invested in their success. Encourage the leadership team to introduce themselves to the new employees and set up a time to meet one-on-one for an informal ‘getting to know you’ chat. This connection will help build trust and facilitate open communication between the new employee and their managers.
- Keep communication high
Communication is key to a successful onboarding experience. Ensure that the new employee has access to all necessary information, such as employee manuals, policies, and procedures. Provide them with an overview of the company culture, mission, and values, so they understand what the organisation stands for. Encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the onboarding process.
- Encourage collaboration
Onboarding should not be a solo endeavour. Encourage new employees to interact with their co-workers and join in team meetings and activities. This will help them to understand their role in the team and develop a sense of belonging within the company. This can be as simple as getting the team together for a coffee to kick things off, or taking the team out for lunch or a team building activity as part of the onboarding process.
- Ensure access and resources are available right from the start
It is essential to ensure that the new employee has access to the resources they need from day one. This includes access to necessary technology, software, and tools. Provide them with a clear understanding of how to access these resources and who to contact if they need assistance.
- Get the right support in place for the new employee
Make sure the new employee has a designated point of contact for any questions or concerns they may have during their onboarding experience. This person should be available to answer questions and provide guidance as needed. Additionally, consider assigning a mentor to the new employee to help them get settled in and navigate their new role.
- Set clear expectations
Setting clear expectations from the beginning can help the new employee understand what is expected of them in their role. This includes setting goals, outlining their responsibilities, and establishing performance metrics. Having these expectations in place can help the new employee feel more confident in their role and more engaged in their work.
- Keep it up!
Lastly, remember that onboarding shouldn’t stop when the employee has completed day one. Your onboarding plan should commit to supporting the new employee for at least 3-6 months, with regular meetings where both parties can discuss progress. As part of this it is important to provide opportunities for the new employee to provide feedback on their onboarding experience. This feedback can help improve the onboarding process for future hires and provide valuable insight into areas where the company may need to improve.
Providing the best onboarding experience for your staff is crucial to their success and the success of the company. By developing a robust and consistent approach you can help ensure that your new employees feel welcomed, supported, and engaged from the start.
