Deliberate Effort in Onboarding Will Save You Money
Did you know that 30% of employees leave within their first 90 days on the job? (Source: Job Seeker Nation 2023).
This statistic is alarming, costly, and entirely preventable. But fear not—exceptional onboarding isn’t rocket science; it requires deliberate effort.
Here’s a roadmap to ensure your new hires start off on the right foot with these effective onboarding tips:
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Begin Onboarding the Moment the Contract is Signed
Don’t let paperwork pile up for their first day. As soon as the ink dries on the contract, send essential documents like payroll, tax forms, and your employee handbook. Also, dispatch their equipment and login credentials to their home beforehand and provide them with an IT contact for any tech-related queries.
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A Pre-Start Communication
Reach out with a warm welcome note a few days before their start date. Inform them about their start time, parking details, whom to approach, and the dress code. Additionally, they share an agenda for their first week, ensuring they know what to expect.
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Introduce Them to Your Team
About a week before their start date, email your existing staff (copying the new hire) introducing their future colleague. Include details about their role, a brief bio, a fun fact, and a headshot. Arrange a team lunch on their first day to foster a welcoming environment.
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Ready Their Workspace
Ensure their workstation is set up before they arrive. To make them feel at home, consider adding personal touches like notes from their new colleagues, branded notepads, or a company mug.
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Establish Clear Expectations
On day one, discuss their role, responsibilities, and the support they’ll receive to achieve their objectives. Provide them with a detailed job description and a 30/60/90 day plan outlining expectations at each milestone. Contextualize their role within the broader organizational goals.
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Maintain Regular Check-Ins
During the first month, schedule weekly check-ins with the new hire to address any concerns early and provide an opportunity for questions and feedback.
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Discuss Career Aspirations
Initiate a conversation about their career aspirations early on to demonstrate your investment in their growth. This is an ideal time to explore long-term career plans.
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Buddy System
Pairing the new hire with a buddy or mentor can provide invaluable support and guidance during the initial weeks. This designated colleague can offer insights, answer questions, and help the new employee navigate the company culture and processes more smoothly.
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Training and Development Opportunities
Highlight available training programs, workshops, and development opportunities early on. Encouraging continuous learning demonstrates your commitment to their professional growth and can increase their engagement and loyalty to the company.
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Solicit Feedback
Regularly seek feedback from new hires about their onboarding experience. This feedback loop allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your onboarding process for future hires, ensuring it remains effective and relevant.
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Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate milestones reached by the new hire, such as completing their first project or reaching their 30/60/90-day goals. Recognition reinforces positive behavior and encourages continued engagement and motivation.
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Continuous Support
Onboarding shouldn’t end after the first few weeks. Continue to provide support and guidance to new employees as they acclimate to their roles and the organization. Regular check-ins and ongoing communication demonstrate your commitment to their success in the long term.
By incorporating these effective onboarding tips into your team’s process, you can further enhance the experience for new hires, set them up for success, and foster a positive and productive work environment.