Hiring new employees is an exciting time for any company. It means growth, new ideas, and fresh perspectives. However, it’s important to remember that the success of a new hire is not just dependent on their skills and experience, but also on how well they are onboarded into the company.
Onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee into the company culture, providing them with the necessary tools and resources, and setting them up for long-term success. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of onboarding and share some strategies for setting up new hires for success.
Why Is Onboarding Important?
Onboarding, often overlooked as a mundane task of filling out paperwork and getting acquainted with office amenities such as the coffee machine, is actually a crucial step in the employee lifecycle. It lays the foundation for a new employee’s entire experience with the company, shaping their initial impression and expectation of what it will be like to work there.
A successful onboarding process can help new hires feel welcomed, valued, and confident in their abilities, ultimately leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. It is an opportunity for the company to showcase its culture, values, and expectations, as well as to provide necessary training and support to ensure that the employee can hit the ground running.
Increased Retention and Engagement
According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experienced great onboarding. This is because a well-structured onboarding process makes new employees feel welcomed, valued, and invested in the company’s success.
Onboarding also helps to increase employee engagement. When new hires are given the necessary tools and resources to succeed, they are more likely to feel confident and motivated in their new role.
Faster Time to Productivity
A good onboarding process can also help new employees become productive faster. By providing them with the necessary training and resources, they can quickly get up to speed and start contributing to the company’s goals.
Positive Company Culture
Onboarding is an opportunity to showcase your company’s culture and values. By creating a positive and welcoming onboarding experience, new employees are more likely to feel connected to the company and its mission.
Onboarding Strategies for Long-Term Success
Now that we understand the importance of onboarding, let’s explore some strategies for setting up new hires for long-term success.
Pre-boarding
Onboarding should start before the new employee’s first day. This is known as pre-boarding and involves sending them important information and resources to review before they start.
This can include company policies, benefits information, and an overview of the company’s culture and values. By providing this information beforehand, new hires can come in on their first day feeling prepared and informed.
Buddy System
Assigning a buddy or mentor to new hires can be a valuable part of the onboarding process. This person can show the new employee around, introduce them to their team members, and answer any questions they may have.
Having a designated person to turn to for guidance and support can help new hires feel more comfortable and connected to the company.
Training and Development
Providing new employees with the necessary training and development opportunities is crucial for their long-term success. This can include both technical and soft skills training, as well as opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
By investing in their development, new hires are more likely to feel valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success.
Clear Expectations and Goals
It’s important to set clear expectations and goals for new hires from the beginning. This can help them understand their role and responsibilities, as well as what is expected of them in terms of performance.
Setting achievable goals and providing regular feedback can also help new hires stay on track and feel motivated to succeed.
Check-Ins and Feedback
Regular check-ins and feedback sessions are crucial for the success of new hires. This allows them to ask questions, voice any concerns, and receive guidance and support from their manager.
It’s important to create a safe and open environment for these discussions, where new hires feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
Celebrate Milestones
As new hires progress in their role, it’s important to celebrate their milestones and achievements. This can include completing training, reaching goals, or even their first work anniversary.
By recognizing and celebrating their accomplishments, new hires are more likely to feel valued and motivated to continue their success within the company.
Onboarding Technology
Technology can play a significant role in the onboarding process. Here are some ways technology can be used to set up new hires for long-term success:
Onboarding Software
Onboarding software can help streamline the onboarding process by providing a centralized platform for new hires to access important information and complete necessary tasks.
This can include filling out paperwork, reviewing company policies, and completing training modules. By using onboarding software, new hires can complete these tasks at their own pace, making the process more efficient and less overwhelming.
Virtual Onboarding
With the rise of remote work, virtual onboarding has become increasingly popular. This involves using video conferencing tools to conduct onboarding sessions and training remotely.
Virtual onboarding can be just as effective as in-person onboarding, as long as the necessary resources and support are provided.
Employee Engagement Platforms
Employee engagement platforms can help new hires feel connected to the company and their team members. These platforms often include features such as virtual team building activities, recognition programs, and communication tools.
By using an employee engagement platform, new hires can quickly become integrated into the company culture and feel like a valued member of the team.
Who Is Responsible for Onboarding?
Onboarding, the process of integrating new employees into a company, is a collaborative effort that involves multiple departments working together to ensure a smooth transition for new hires. Human Resources (HR) departments are usually tasked with spearheading the creation and implementation of the onboarding process, including developing training programs and coordinating orientation sessions. However, it is not solely HR’s responsibility to ensure a successful onboarding experience. Managers and team members also play a vital role in welcoming new employees, providing guidance, and offering support as they acclimate to their new roles and the company culture. By working together, these different departments can create a cohesive onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success from the start.
News
A recent report sheds light on the struggles companies face in hiring non-degreed workers despite initiatives to remove degree requirements from job postings. While more than 60% of U.S. workers lack degrees, the study reveals that many companies still predominantly hire individuals with degrees.
Even though companies like Walmart, Apple, and General Motors have pledged to expand opportunities for non-degreed workers, only 37% of firms analyzed have made tangible changes. The report underscores the need for clearer skill assessment processes and broader recognition of non-degreed talent.
Conclusion
Onboarding is a crucial step in the employee lifecycle and can greatly impact the long-term success of new hires. By implementing effective onboarding strategies and utilizing technology, companies can set up new employees for success and create a positive and engaging work environment.
Remember, onboarding is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continuously check in and provide support to new hires as they progress in their role. By investing in their development and creating a welcoming and inclusive culture, companies can retain top talent and drive their success.
