What is onboarding?
No one likes to feel lost when starting a new job, but most people feel somewhat nervous on the first day and even during the first few weeks. The best thing you can do to welcome newcomers to your business is to set up one onboarding program. This not only helps them with the paperwork (which can be a lot), but also shows them what the company stands for, what their role is and how excited you are to have them on board. Training sessions, introductions to team members, and presentations on policies and procedures are all necessary steps during onboarding to help your new hires get acclimated. Let's take a look at why it's always a good idea and what the 4 stages of onboarding are.
Why do you need an onboarding process?
When you onboard new employees, your main goal is to show them from the start that they are valued. Providing them with a solid onboarding process and a warm welcome makes them feel like they are part of the team and that the company is invested in their success. This can really boost their confidence and motivation, making them more enthusiastic and effective from the start.
Clarity is just as important. New employees simply need to know what they have to do and what the company stands for. If they don't, they may get confused, make a mistake, or adopt some bad habits that are difficult to break, such as performing tasks incorrectly. Giving them a clear idea of their responsibilities and the company's goals can help them stay on track.
And let's not forget efficiency. Imagine how much time and effort is wasted when new hires have to figure things out on their own. A good introduction can really help them get started faster and make their job easier. Plus, it prevents everyone else from having to constantly answer questions or fix errors.
The 4 phases of employee onboarding
1. Preboarding
Preboarding is the first phase of the onboarding process. It starts as soon as a candidate accepts your job offer and ends on the first day of work. The first thing to pay attention to here is communication. For example, you can send a heartfelt welcome email, greeting them and indicating that you're looking forward to having them on board, as well as giving them an insider's view on what to expect and other important information. Then take care of the logistics. Make sure all necessary paperwork is completed before they start, including tax forms, contracts, or other relevant documents. Onboarding software can help you do this by automating the process of collecting and reviewing papers. Finally, keep the excitement alive by checking in with them regularly before the start date and letting them look forward to it.
2. Onboard and welcome new employees
From the moment a new employee enters the office, you should make them feel like a valued member of your corporate family. During the onboarding phase, focus on officially welcoming them to the team, whatever this entails. The most important aspect is that they are provided with all the equipment, tools and software they need for their role. Give them their laptops, set up a work email, give them access to corporate platforms, and help them navigate the programs if they're not familiar with them. A buddy system works wonders in this phase. Pair your new employees with experienced employees and help them acclimatize and build strong relationships with their colleagues. An onboarding buddy can show them the ins and outs of their role, share tips and organically introduce them to the rest of the team.
3. Training
During the training, your new employees will learn everything related to the company. The courses should really delve into the working environment and give newcomers the opportunity to get an idea of what the company stands for and what their working days will be like. Remember, it's not just about them memorizing company rules and policies; you train them because you want to give them all the tools they need to succeed in their role. But how can you do that well? Make sure you have a solid plan first. Before the new employees start, you need to create a training program based on their roles and responsibilities. Then choose the delivery method: are they workshops, in-person sessions, mentorship programs, or online courses? Make training as engaging as possible, because employees will learn better once they feel comfortable using their skills.
4. Transition to the new role
Onboarding doesn't stop when new employees have started figuring everything out. It continues with taking on more responsibilities and ownership. During this phase, new hires focus on fitting in and becoming a valuable part of the team. But they also have to stand out. They should take every opportunity they get to showcase their skills and knowledge in their new workplace, and demonstrate that they are a perfect fit for the role. So you need to encourage them to go the extra mile, take initiative, express their opinions and of course, keep learning new skills. Training is an ongoing process, and whether they want to stay on top of industry trends or learn how to use the latest software, they need to stay curious. Finally, adaptation is crucial. New employees must be open to new experiences and embrace challenges.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that onboarding is not a one-time task; it is a continuous process. Companies must always improve their onboarding procedures to meet the changing needs of their employees and provide them with the best possible experience. By familiarizing yourself with these 4 phases of the onboarding process By putting them into action, you can create an atmosphere in which everyone is involved and productive and wants to remain so.