Employee Onboarding Processes That Work!
Posted November 5th, 2019
The onboarding process is incredibly important. It serves as an opportunity to acclimate the new hire and set them up for success. Plus, the onboarding process is a critical first impression on an incoming employee. When handled properly, it bolsters retention dramatically, ensuring the employee feels confident and supported when moving forward.
In order to be effective, the onboarding process needs to involve more than a mechanism for sharing door codes and showing new hires where they can get lunch. It also needs to include additional aspects that make these initial days positive and informative, allowing the employee to gain their footing quickly.
If you are wondering how you can create an employee onboarding process that works, here’s what you need to know.
Create a Checklist
There’s a lot of information that needs to be covered during onboarding, and it’s easy to accidentally forget pieces if you are going from memory. By creating a formal checklist, you can make sure that every new hire reviews the right documents, has access to the right resources, and it well-informed before they start handling tasks.
This approach is particularly helpful when multiple departments need to prepare items for new hires. For example, HR will need specific documents to add to the employee’s file while IT will need to create credentials for relevant systems. With a checklist, the position manager can make sure that every department does their part and that everything that needs to be returned to those departments is done so in a timely manner.
Assign a Buddy
Having a peer mentor can be incredibly beneficial for new hires. They gain access to an equal who can familiarize them with the environment and role, giving them an ally they can turn to when they have questions or need support. Plus, it creates a social connection early on, and that may make them feel more comfortable and integrated into the team. Their mentor can also facilitate introductions with other colleagues, easing the tension that can come up since the new hire will be meeting so many new people.
Ask for Feedback
As your new hire goes through your onboarding process, make sure to ask them for feedback. Allow them to speak freely about the experience, including what they like and don’t like, so you can learn more about what is or isn’t working. That way, you can use the information to make meaningful improvements, ensuring your onboarding process continues to become more effective over time.
Plus, by asking for feedback, you are promoting healthy communication going forward. Your new hire will know that feedback is welcome in the workplace, increasing the odds that they’ll offer their thoughts in discussions while working for you.
Have Fun
While much of the onboarding process is either serious or tedious, it’s important to inject some fun into the experience as well. This makes it more enjoyable for the new hire and everyone else involved. Plus, it may promote stronger bonding and can make onboarding a solid introduction to the great parts of your culture.
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you create an employee onboarding process that works. If you’d like to find out more, the team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our new hire onboarding expertise can benefit you.
