Onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into their job and company. It can be described as a multi-stage journey with information gathering and training, followed by steps of engagement and finally socialization. The purpose of onboarding is to make sure that new hires learn about what they need to do on the job, work well with other team members, know who’s who among their co-workers, get acclimated to full participation in the organization, understand precisely how they’re expected to perform on-the-job tasks, and learn where they can go for further information or help. Here is a guide to what the onboarding process for a new employee entails.
Getting to Know the Company
It helps if new hires know what they’re getting into upfront. During this part of the process, employees should learn about their role and how it fits into the company as a whole. They also need to meet senior management and be introduced to members of their team who will monitor and/or assist them during the first few weeks on the job.
Showcasing a positive workplace culture is essential here. Introduce new hires to colleagues in different departments, introduce them to the company’s unique values and mission, and give them a feel for the overall culture of the workplace. Business owners have also started using employee recognition software that helps them figure out the right rewards to give their employees for a job well done. Explaining this to newbies helps them feel appreciated and valued from the get-go.
Orientation
During orientation, new hires fill out necessary forms. This part can be made easier if you go now and find relevant onboarding software, because the best ones streamline the process of filling out different forms. This is also typically when employees are given the official job title which they can refer to themselves with and then directed toward the area in which they will work.
Formal Training
Formal training usually takes place over a period of several days. During this time, employees can expect to take part in both classroom-style learning sessions as well as one-on-one training from managers or other mentors who have been designated for the purpose of helping them during this stage. It’s up to companies whether or not they want new hires to attend training eventually, but it is always recommended that eventually be as soon as possible.
Apart from efficiency, this process is essential to ensure the health and overall well-being of every worker. Companies often conduct employee safety training every few months to ensure that each employee is up to date with his or her safety knowledge. It also establishes an understanding between the company and its employees about the commitment to personal health, as well as professional development.
Onboarding Coaching
Many new hires receive some form of on-the-job coaching during the first few months on the job. This could consist of checking in with their manager once every week, meeting weekly with a mentor, or having check-in conversations with HR reps or team leaders throughout the month. The idea is for managers and mentors to provide regular feedback about performance objectives and growth opportunities. During this time, employees will learn how to prioritize tasks, self-manage, meet deadlines, work more efficiently, and communicate more effectively with both internal and external customers. As part of the coaching process, employees should receive a clear understanding of their specific areas for growth and development.
Socialization
The onboarding process doesn’t end once formal training does. Employees need to be comfortable in their work environment long before they become completely proficient at doing their jobs. This is when new hires tend to become more active members of their local community by attending conferences or taking part in charity events organized by or in conjunction with the company itself. To facilitate this socialization stage of the onboarding process, many companies have found it effective to schedule lunches or other activities with staff members who are not direct or indirect reports.
Productivity
In order to be most effective, onboarding needs to continue throughout a new hire’s entire first year on the job. One of the best ways to do this is through regular check-ins with managers and mentors who help employees set goals, provide feedback about performance initiatives, discuss opportunities for professional development, and much more. With this type of consistency in place, managers will have a better idea of how their direct reports are progressing toward various milestones, as well as what kind of support they might need from others in the company along the way. Managers can then use those insights to tailor ongoing coaching sessions or other elements within the onboarding process as needed.
With new hires who are just starting out, it’s usually a good idea for managers to focus on improving overall productivity levels. Once employees have moved beyond the socialization stage, employers should also consider shifting gears by changing up onboarding activities so that they align with individual performance objectives and career growth opportunities. With this approach in place, onboarding becomes a powerful career development tool over time because the new hires will not only be developing different skills but will also have a clear path toward growth and advancement.
Overall, there’s really no single way to go about onboarding new employees. Every company has its own style and approach. But while there are some aspects of this process that may vary from company to company, the basic principles remain essentially the same. Just keep in mind that your goal is to make sure new hires know all they can about their new jobs before they actually begin doing them. Not only will this help you attract more qualified applicants down the road, but it can also save time, money—and strengthen your team overall once you get rolling. Your onboarding process for a new employee doesn’t have to be difficult or even onerous if you follow these simple tips on how to do it properly.
