We’re sure you’re sick of seeing bright-eyed newbies stumble through their first few weeks on the job. So why not get a great onboarding process in place? Seamless. Like a hot knife through butter.
But realize you’re not flying solo on this – many others are right there with you. So don’t feel bad. A whopping 22% of new employees quit within the first 45 days, largely due to poor onboarding (Source: Gallup). Hence don’t hit the panic button just yet, entrepreneur!
We’ve got these six essential steps to revitalize your onboarding process
With these six steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an onboarding process that’s as smooth as a fine Merlot.
1. Prepare a pre-boarding plan
Before your new hire even sets foot in the office, get them excited (and prepared) with a pre-boarding plan. Send over essential documents, benefits information, and a brief company history to get them up to speed. This will save you both time and headaches on day one. As Forbes puts it, “The onboarding process should start before the employee’s first day, not on it.”
2. Assign a buddy or mentor
Pair your new hire with a trusted buddy or mentor who can show them the ropes. As a result, the atmosphere becomes more inclusive, and new team members can rapidly assimilate into the corporate family. According to SHRM, “Assigning a buddy or mentor can increase new hire productivity by up to 25%.”
3. Streamline paperwork and admin tasks
Let’s face it, paperwork is a necessary evil. But, it doesn’t have to be a tedious, time-sucking task. When onboarding processes are stuck in the Stone Age, it’s time to shake things up with digital tools that supplant hours of redundant paperwork and streamline benefits administration. This will free up your HR team to focus on more important things… like making sure your new hire feels welcome! Let’s talk about Glassdoor – the go-to site for job seekers wanting to get the inside scoop on companies and salaries. Handing over repetitive tasks to machines can free you up to focus on the good stuff – and dodges a bunch of pesky errors.
4. Create a customized onboarding schedule
No two employees are alike, so why should their onboarding schedules be? Tailor the process to each new hire’s role, department, and learning style. This might include a mix of classroom training, online modules, and one-on-one coaching. As BambooHR notes, “A customized onboarding schedule shows that you’re invested in the new hire’s success and willing to put in the effort to help them thrive.”
5. Foster open communication
Open communication is key to a successful onboarding process. Make your new hire feel heard by prompting them to ask questions and share their opinions – it’s the best way to address any misconceptions early on. Catch problems before they snowball by tackling them at the onset. If you’re in HR, you need HR Magazine – it’s your prime source for insights and advice. Arrange regular check-ins, like a 30-day review, to gauge how well your new hire is fitting in.
6. Instead of only focusing on the finish line, take a step back to appreciate the progress you’ve made and the milestones you’ve achieved – it’s a great way to stay energized and committed.
Mark the moments that matter – new job, new milestones, new celebrations! This might be as simple as a shout-out at a team meeting or a celebratory lunch. Recognizing achievements will not only boost morale but also reinforce the behaviors you want to see in your new hire. This goes beyond finding a comfy sweet spot at work – it’s all about what gets you there. Straight from the starting gate, it’s essential to set realistic targets that inspire new hires and help them feel a genuine sense of achievement.
There you have it – six essential steps to smooth out your onboarding process
Best of all? You’re setting your new hires up for success.
As you launch these strategies, imagine a workplace where employees stick around, get more done, and genuinely enjoy being there – it’s a future that’s within reach, and it starts with the seeds you sow today. Stop waiting and take the first step already! Get onboarding!
