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What is an Onboarding process?

The employee on-boarding process is the tasks and actions conducted by the HR department from the time an offer is released to an employee to the time in which this employee becomes a productive contributor to the company.

Why you Need a Proper Onboarding Process?

Having a proper on-boarding should never be underestimated, as it influences the performance of your new hires and the overall company. Let’s have a deeper look at the importance of a successful on-boarding process.

• Improves performance and productivity

The main goal of having an on-boarding process is involving the new hire in his/her role, department, and the overall company the moment he/she starts working at the company. The on-boarding process helps new hires reach higher productivity levels faster than if they had to involve themselves on their own.

• Improves retention rates

Investing in a strong on-boarding process and building a great on-boarding experience for your new hires make them feel valued, respected, and involved which consequently increases the potential of retaining them. 

• Improves company culture

The on-boarding process is the HR department’s opportunity to communicate the company’s mission, vision, and values, and expected behaviors. On-boarding also shows new hires how they can interact with their colleagues and managers, and how they can positively influence the culture.

• Builds teamwork

During the on-boarding process, managers and employees are responsible for helping the new hire in getting familiar and involved with his/her work. The welcoming of new hires, the communication between colleagues, and the knowledge transfer help in cultivating teamwork spirit in the company.

Onboarding Checklist

• Send an email to the new hire

Welcome your new hire with an email that includes the start date and time, location, dress code, and the documents he/she needs to bring on their first day.

• Send an email to all employees

Introduce your new hire before her/his first day by sending an email to your existing employees that includes the name of the new hire, the job title, the joining date, and the contact details.

• Prepare the new employee’s office and equipment

Order a laptop and any other equipment the new employee might need, create a new email, prepare his/her office access card, and prepare the needed office supplies.

• Welcome your new employee

Greet your employee on his/her first day at work and introduce him/her to your existing employees and have a quick tour with the new employee around the office.

• Provide any necessary HR documents

Provide your new hire with any documents they need to read such as workplace policies and procedures, security and safety policies, and code of conduct.

• Organize a meeting with the new employee’s direct manager

The new employee’s manager should explain the details of the new hire’s role, the job description, the expectations, and the career development plan.

• Organize training sessions

You should schedule regular training sessions for your new hire during his/her first weeks and recommend any useful readings related to his/her job.

• Follow-up

The on-boarding process isn’t limited to the first weeks or months of hiring, it may last for one year. Regular meetings and reviews with the new hire help you ensure that everything is going as expected and identify any areas of improvement.

Haneen Ibrahim