Set up new hires for success with a solid preboarding and onboarding plan.

How much attention does your business give to onboarding? If you don’t have a solid onboarding process you’re missing an opportunity to set up new employees for success. Here’s how to create a positive onboarding program.

Start with preboarding

The time between the acceptance of a job offer and new team member’s first day is the preboarding period. It’s an ideal time to communicate about things like what to expect on the first day. For example, what time to arrive, scheduled introductory meetings and dress code are useful things for the new hire to know beforehand.

Plus, preboarding establishes an open line of communication and provides an opportunity to ask questions.

Prepare for their arrival

Whether you have assigned desks or open seating, make sure the employee has the tools and equipment they need from day one. If they’ll be using a work computer or phone, make sure it has all the software they’ll be using.

Meet and greet

Introducing a new employee helps them feel they’re part of the team right away. Let current team members know about the new hire’s first day and ask them to prioritize fostering a welcome atmosphere. Schedule meet-and-greet times with key team members the new employee will be working with. Consider a team lunch for a more informal getting-to-know-each-other gathering.

Allow time for paperwork

Administrative forms are part of every new hire’s experience. Whether your company uses an onboarding app or traditional paper, much of the paperwork may have been completed during preboarding. Allow time on the first day for finalizing forms and answering any questions the new employee may have. Make sure they understand pay periods and how benefits like the retirement plan and health savings account work.

Have a plan for training

Training looks different for every role. Regardless or your candidate’s experience level, make sure you have a training plan in place. This can include one-on-one guidance, videos, reading and any other training techniques to help your new hire get up to speed. Keep in mind that everyone has different learning styles and training can be spread out over several weeks.

Check in with your new hire

A positive onboarding experience creates a foundation for new employee success. Make sure they have everything they need by following up with them. On the first day, and regularly over their first few weeks, check in on how they’re doing. Do they have the tools and resources they need? Is anything hindering their performance that can be altered?

Use the feedback you get from new hires to fine-tune your onboarding process for future hires.

 

 

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