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Integrating into a new company isn’t easy no matter how prepared a new hire is. The initial impression that you make as an employer on a new hire conveys that you are fully prepared to welcome your new joiners. It’s your chance to direct the way a new hire will feel, make up their mind about your company, and keep them engaged from day one. The chance to make a great first impression starts with having a clear and smooth onboarding process. Here are some ways to ensure the onboarding process goes smoothly. 

Plan the Process Before Day One

Onboarding begins the moment the new hire accepts your offer, giving you the chance to prepare for their arrival before their first day. Getting their workspace, parking spot, and other work-related assets ready before they start is important. This time is also perfect for the new hire to provide all necessary documents and details so they can focus on meeting the team the first day. 

Orientation & Introduction

Welcome your new hire with open arms and make them feel comfortable with a small gift. A thorough orientation is essential which includes a general introduction of the company history and its mission and vision to help new hires understand how they fit in. Introducing company rules and procedures from the beginning also helps them grasp the company culture, making them more comfortable and able to begin integrating. 

Getting to know new names and faces can be a bit overwhelming but memorable introductions can help. Introduce the new hire to their new colleagues and team so they can get an overview of what everyone does and how responsibilities overlap. Introduce them to the office too; take them a tour of the different departments, meeting rooms, and facilities to familiarize themselves with the workplace as well as the break areas. 

Role & Responsibilities

The direct manager should give a thorough introduction of the department and everyone’s roles and responsibilities, including those of the new hire. Make sure to be straightforward about the employee’s role and tasks so they can be well informed about what is expected of them. Clarification of these responsibilities alleviates some of the stress that comes with being a new hire.

Check-In Often

Your new hire will gradually start integrating into the company but they still need your support. Onboarding is more than a one-day event; it can take weeks or even months for new employees to adapt to a new environment and get used to tasks and the people they work with. Regular check-ins will ensure that they are transitioning smoothly. Clear communication and insightful feedback will create a solid foundation to build up on. 

Amanee Hasan

Amanee Hasan is a Senior Content Writer at ZenHR, an award-winning and top-rated HR solution that offers world-class HR software services in the MENA region. Her main focuses are SEO, UX writing, copywriting, and creating content highlighting the latest HR trends, and gives organizations and individuals the tools they need to create successful work environments where people thrive.