Onboarding

What is Onboarding?

Onboarding is the process of welcoming and integrating new employees into an organization and their roles. It involves introducing them to the company, its policies, and their colleagues, as well as training them to perform job responsibilities competently.

Why is onboarding important?

The goal of onboarding is to help new hires feel comfortable, engaged, and prepared for their roles. Starting a new job often involves a steep learning curve. Onboarding addresses this by offering essential knowledge, training, and support regarding the role, ensuring employees feel acclimated to the new work environment. It also plays a crucial role in establishing alignment from the start by familiarizing employees with the company’s mission, values, and objectives.

What activities does onboarding entail?

The onboarding process typically varies from company to company, but there are a few activities that are commonly found across most. These include:

• Orientation
• Paperwork and documentation
• Job-specific training
• Introduction to colleagues
• Company policies and procedures
• Workspace tours

What are the benefits of onboarding?

A well-crafted onboarding experience can:

• Accelerate the learning curve for new hires
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Increase employee satisfaction and retention
• Align individuals with the organization’s mission and values
• Facilitate quicker adaption to team dynamics and workflows 

What should organizations do to ensure a smooth onboarding experience?

• Have a well-structured resource kit that covers all the must-knows about the company to help new employees navigate their early days
• Offer personalized support through regular check-ins and mentorship
• Establish clear lines of communication, or a point of contact, to address any employee questions or concerns 
• Guide employees in using tools and systems they are not familiar with
• Introduce new members to the team and wider staff to help them feel part of the organizational community
• Help new hires understand how they can succeed by explaining performance expectations, as well as short and long-term goals