Having a comprehensive, structured onboarding process has been shown to play a big part in improving long-term staff retention, and helping new hires feel motivated and inspired from day one – yet it’s a journey that’s often under optimised and poorly personalised.
The process needs to impart all the information that new hires will need to succeed, in a way that doesn’t overwhelm them or distract them from getting to grips with the ‘doing’ of their job. The process also needs to give new employees a chance to familiarise themselves with their immediate colleagues and other members of the wider workforce.
There may be circumstances when a new employee may have special needs in terms of their onboarding, and individual consideration and tweaks to the process may be appropriate – for example, school leavers starting their first job, people with a disability. However, there are certain steps that promise to make a business’ onboarding process an outstanding experience for all new hires – no matter their individual requirements. Read on to discover what these are…
- Make contact ahead of the start date: Don’t forget to take advantage of the time in between the offer and start date to engage and welcome your new hire. If you want to make a great first impression, check in and let them know that you’re happy to answer any questions before their first day.
- Explain your onboarding process: Be transparent with how your onboarding process works. Sharing an onboarding checklist with your new hire, so they can see exactly what’s planned and when, is a great way to promote engagement, and immediately show that your business is inclusive and welcoming.
- Help set up their workspace: Feeling comfortable at work is about more than just welcoming smiles. Physical comfort and having timely access to the tools they are going to need to do their job also matters. Invest in setting up your new employee’s workspace, or ship them supplies directly if they’re going to be working from home.
- Match them with a mentor: Employ a ‘buddy’ system for new hires, so they have a ‘go-to’ if they need help, have a question or simply want a friendly face to talk to – and you can continue to focus on your job.
- Keep in touch: Last but not least, your onboarding process doesn’t end after the first few weeks. It’s important that you check in with your new hire regularly, so you can identify any challenges, set goals and ensure that you continue to support them in the best way possible.
Get in touch to speak to a member of the HR Star team and find out how we can work with you to provide tailor made support in creating an induction checklist and process that meets the needs of your business. Email [email protected] or call 01242 500 557.
