Bringing a new employee into your ranks can be a frustrating endeavor which is why you need to expand your Onboarding Process. Being that it takes a new hire 6-8 months to reach full productivity, Glassdoor found that companies with strong onboarding programs can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Make the first few days memorable, a positive onboarding experience will put your new employee at ease and increase the odds of them sticking around.
Standardized Onboarding
A Standardized Onboarding process for new employees is a “Begin Here†template which can be booted up at a moment’s notice. It explains in detail, all aspects of the company, client base, and goals:
- Lead your employer welcome by introducing the company mission, values, and culture.
- A “start to finish†understanding of the product.
- Understand the customer base and exceeding their needs.
- Explaining the new hire’s department and the processes performed.
- Check-In regularly to ask / take questions to get valuable feedback.
The Four Stages
Pre-Boarding begins with a Welcome packet to include a written timeline with detailed steps, along with contact information for help with each step, and a general contact person. General expectations, such as pay day, office dress codes, security requirements, your company code of conduct, work duties and work schedules.
Orientation should include an introduction to your company and include a tour within the 1st three days. Introductions, man and machine, in the new hires department will ease them into their new spot on the floor. Many clients assign pre-boarding and orientation tasks to HR Associates, streamlining their process. Â
Training will equip new hires with the necessary skills and knowledge they will need to perform. A performance rehash with monthly meetings will move productivity in the right direction, as well as safety.
Integration exercises will help new hires become part of the team. Include regular meetings and check-ins to boost their confidence. Organizing Social Events for your workforce to foster a positive work environment and build a strong team. Â Outdoor activities or volunteering at a local charity will go a long way to boost morale.
The 1st Day
- Send out a pre-boarding email describing the 1st Day.
- Send a company-wide email that introduces the new employee.
- Give new hires the phone extension/email lists, the company Facebook, as well as the company glossary.
- Give new hires a head start on admin tasks, such as creating a company email address or completing HR paperwork.
- Make the 1st day exciting by insuring they have their ID badges, passwords, handbooks, a map of the building and anything else that will make their life easier on day one.
- Give a 1st Day gift or buy everyone lunch.
- Assign a Buddy or Mentor. Everyone needs a go-to source for everything company.
- Lastly, send the new hire home early so they can digest everything that was thrown at them on day one.
Bring Them Together
Touring the building is a good opportunity to bring new employees together. Creating a Field-Day atmosphere for this new group tour will build better connections and relationships. Hands on and visual instruction, throughout the shop, will go a long way in putting anxieties at ease. Creating a team environment at the onset of employment will go a long way in terms of retention.
Within their first 60 days, another new group activity is to put together a company culture/history course which all new hires are required to complete. Include critical company information and include the important contributors and their roles. A visual history presentation can also promote a sense of belonging for new hires. In addition, revisit benefits and policies, as well as the importance of asking questions and getting a conversation started with their mentors.
The Small Stuff
Most importantly, do not forget the small stuff… from running the copier, or right down to where you keep the toilet paper. You want your new employee to know everything you know about your facility. Uncertainty breeds frustration, which leads to a negative impact on the teams work.
What’s your standard? Having a consistent and predictable onboarding process will raise everyone’s expectations when adding your next Newbie.
Need to go a little deeper? “Human Relations in the Workplace” course @ Edison State might do the trick!
Need More Information? Onboarding 101Â
