A well-thought-out plan for efficient and effective onboarding is crucial for many reasons. The establishment of a process for welcoming new team members will set the foundation for a successful and productive work relationship, clearly set expectations, and ensure that they feel confident and comfortable in their new work environment. Some of the other benefits include:
It ensures new employees become productive, faster.
It enhances engagement. When employees feel supported and accepted by their new company, they are more likely to be committed to their organization and their work.
It builds company culture. Onboarding provides a chance for new employees to see the company’s vision, mission, and values.
It will foster friendships and a sense of belonging, which will contribute to improved team dynamics.
The employee life cycle begins at recruitment, and at every stage, you have an opportunity to remind your employee you care about them, and that will make all the difference.
5 Tips for creating an efficient onboarding plan:
1. Customize Their Experience
Before your new employee's start date, ensure you have thought about all of the things they will need in order to be successful in their new role. This includes providing equipment, setting up meetings with colleagues, and identifying training opportunities. This shows that you are well-prepared and excited for their arrival.
2. Assign a Mentor
Nothing will make a new team member feel more at home than another person. Pairing your new hire with a seasoned member of their team who can serve as their mentor will allow them to feel connected to your company immediately. Starting a new role can be intimidating and having a go-to person to turn to for guidance, questions, and general support during their initial period is hugely beneficial.
3. Set Short-Term Goals
On the first day of a previous job, my boss handed me a list of things she expected me to complete within the first 90 days of my tenure, and I loved it. Laying out what success looks like, and what your expectations are, provides a clear path for early success. These goals should be aligned with their training and responsibilities, helping them build confidence as they accomplish them.
4. Be a Safe Space
After the onboarding process is complete, gather feedback from your new team member about their experience and ask what they would suggest for new hires in the future. There is no one better to provide input than someone who has just gone through your process. Use this input to identify areas for improvement and refine the onboarding process for the future.
5. Celebrate
Use the fact that you have a new employee as an opportunity to celebrate everything that is unique about your organization, and your team. Let other team members provide input into how to make your new employee's first day memorable. A simple action like a welcome card, or sign will go a long way into making your organization stand out as truly special.
Looking for more tips and tools for making your team feel special, celebrated, and supported? Reach out to INDEAL Cares for resources that support your employees at all stages of their journey.