Everything You Need to Know About Onboarding a New Employee

What Is an Onboarding Process?

An employee onboarding process is the process in which new hires are integrated into the organization. This includes everything the HR department does regarding the new hire, from sending them an offer to the new employee adapting and becoming a productive contributor to the company.

Why Do You Need a Proper Onboarding Process?

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

Benefits of an Efficient Onboarding Process

Increases Performance & Productivity

The main goal of an onboarding process is to get the new hire settled and help them adapt to their role, department, and overall company the moment they start working there. The onboarding process enables new hires to reach higher productivity levels faster than if they had to involve themselves independently.

Improves Retention Rates

Investing in a strong onboarding process and building a great onboarding experience for your new hires make them feel valued, respected, and involved, consequently increasing the potential of retaining them. 

Enhances Company Culture

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

Fosters Teamwork

During onboarding, managers and employees are responsible for helping the new hire get familiar and involved with their work. The welcoming of new hires, the communication between colleagues, and the knowledge transfer help cultivate teamwork spirit in the company.

Onboarding Checklist

Welcome Email

Send your new hire a warm, welcoming email with all the information they need, including the start date and time, location, dress code, and the documents they may need to bring on their first day.

Notify All Employees

Introduce your new hire 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. You can do this through company announcements and/or introducing the new employee on day one around the office. 

Prepare Their Desk & Assets

Have the new employee’s desk, computer, and any other assets they might need ready on their first day. Create a new email, prepare their office access card, and prepare their needed office supplies. Having all this ready when they start sets the mood for the entire onboarding process. 

Office Welcome

Greet your new employee on their first day at work and introduce them to your existing employees. Give them a tour around the office and answer any questions they may have. 

Provide Any 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.

Schedule a Meeting With Direct Manager

The new employee’s manager should better get to know their new team member and take the time to clearly explain the details of the new hire’s role, the job description, the expectations, and the career development plan.

Training Sessions

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

Follow-up

The onboarding 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.