From the Get-Go

Effective onboarding practices begin even before that first day. It should be an extension of the interview process in terms of reflecting the employer brand (Source). For example, if you presented the company as forward-looking and technology-savvy at the interview, then onboarding practices should reflect that. Corporate-style procedures would feel out of place, and misalign expectations on the part of the employee. It’s also important to prep the team about the new employee by sending out an email before their first day, so the rest of the team has time to make the necessary changes, both in terms of social dynamics and staffing.

A Time For Everything

Proper onboarding preparations need to be made before the first day and extend far beyond it. Attention to detail at every step is essential for avoiding any negative feelings that stem from unclear directions and confusion. A set agenda with objectives should be established for the new hire’s first day, week, month, and probationary period. For example, the logistics of setting up a computer, access to supplies, email, parking, phone system, etc. should all be a streamlined, as it gives important insight into the organisational structure of the company, and eliminates confusion in the early days. The first week is a good time to explore the scope of their responsibilities and how the employee would like to be managed. Instead of dictating the terms of their employment, individualised onboarding means that the employee’s working habits and personality is taken into consideration when determining how to staff and review the performance of the new employee. And it doesn’t end there. In the following months, it’s important to set regular intervals for reviewing job training, shadowing, and development.

You’re The Boss

New hires overwhelmingly prefer their own managers to onboard them rather than HR managers or fellow colleagues (Source). Having managers block off time to welcome and mentor a new hire is not only a worthwhile use of time for both parties, but it’s also conducive for creating a close-knit team that works well together. An employee feels more vested in a company that’s shown an interesting in helping them grow, understand their personal goals, and shaping their role to reflect this focus. Once these goals have been established, it’s important to keep both the mentor and mentee accountable to meeting the milestones.