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Apr 24, 2024

Hey there, Talent Acquisition Rockstars!   We all know the feeling: you fight tooth and nail to recruit that perfect candidate, and then… they walk out the door after six months.   Ouch. But did you know that a strong onboarding & integration of new hires program can significantly reduce turnover?  Research by SHRM shows that new hires who go through a structured onboarding program are 50% more likely to be with the company after one year That’s a game-changer!

So, how do we create an onboarding program that not only gets new hires up to speed but also makes them feel welcome, valued, and excited to be part of the team?  

Here are our top 10 tips for Effective Onboarding:

1. Start Before Day One

 Don’t let the magic of onboarding begin the moment your new hire walks through the door. As Forbes: points out, “The onboarding process should begin before the employee’s first day.” Send a welcome email with important information, a company swag package, or even a personalized video message from their future manager.  This sets the tone for a positive and engaging experience.

Example:  Imagine Sarah, a new marketing hire, receiving a welcome video from her manager introducing the team and expressing their excitement about her joining.  This small touch goes a long way in making Sarah feel valued even before her first day.

2. Make the First Day Hassle-Free

  First impressions matter! Ensure your new hire has a smooth and stress-free first day.  Have their workspace set up beforehand, complete login information ready, and schedule introductory meetings with key team members.

3. Create a Clear Onboarding Agenda

  Structure is key!  Develop a comprehensive onboarding plan that outlines the key activities, goals, and milestones for the first few weeks and months.  This provides a roadmap for your new hires and helps them feel confident and prepared.

Onboarding Agenda Plan Data Sheet

This data sheet provides a framework to plan and track your onboarding program for new hires.  It’s customizable to fit the specific needs of your company and role.

Instructions:

1. Role: Specify the job title for this onboarding plan.
2. Department: Indicate the department the new hire will be joining.
3. Duration: Outline the timeframe for the onboarding program (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 3 months).
4. Day/Week: Use this column to designate the timeframe for each activity (e.g., Day 1, Week 2).
5. Activity: List the specific tasks and activities for each stage of onboarding.
6. Person Responsible: Identify the individual or department accountable for each activity.
7. Resources: Specify any materials, documents, or online resources needed for each activity.
8. Notes: Use this section for additional information or specific instructions.

Here’s an example to illustrate the datasheet:

4. Introduce New Hires to the Team – and the Company Culture

  Onboarding isn’t just about learning the ropes of the job.  It’s also about integrating new hires into the company culture.  Plan social activities, team lunches, and mentorship programs to help them build relationships with colleagues and understand the company’s values and work style.

After all, strong company culture is  “the glue that holds everything together,”  according to  Kevin Kruse author of “Employee Engagement 2.0

5. Provide Ongoing Training and Development

  Learning shouldn’t stop after the first week. Offer a variety of training opportunities, including role-specific training, soft skills development, and access to online learning resources.

6.  Assign a Buddy or Mentor

  Pair new hires with a buddy or mentor who can guide them through the onboarding process, answer questions, and offer support.  This can be an invaluable resource for new hires as they navigate their new role and the company. This personalized approach fosters a sense of belonging and provides a valuable resource for navigating the company and its processes.

7. Set Clear Expectations & Goals

   New hires need to understand what’s expected of them in their role.  Set clear performance expectations and goals early on, and provide regular feedback to help them stay on track.

8. Encourage Open Communication

  Create a culture where new hires feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.  Schedule regular check-in meetings and encourage open communication channels like team chats or an “Ask Me Anything” session with senior leadership. 

Remember,  “Communication is key in any relationship, but especially in the employer-employee dynamic,”  says  Brenda Bailey in her article “6 Ways to Improve New Hire Onboarding”

9. Gather Feedback and Continuously Improve

   Onboarding is an ongoing process.  Regularly solicit feedback from new hires about their onboarding experience.  Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and keep your program up-to-date and effective.

10. Celebrate Achievements!

 Recognize and celebrate new hires’ accomplishments, big or small.  This helps them feel valued and motivated and reinforces positive behaviors.

By investing in a well-structured onboarding program, you’re laying the foundation for long-term employee success.  Remember, satisfied and engaged employees are more productive, contribute to a positive work environment, and are less likely to leave.

Ready to transform your onboarding process and create a winning team culture?

  At Training Booth, we offer a comprehensive suite of onboarding & integration of new hires solutions designed to streamline the process, empower your new hires, and foster a sense of belonging.  Our solutions include:

• Customizable Onboarding Programs: We work with you to develop a program that aligns with your company culture, specific needs, and industry best practices.
• Engaging Training Modules: We offer a library of interactive training modules covering essential topics, from company policies and procedures to soft skills development.
• Mentorship and Buddy Programs: We can help you implement mentorship and buddy programs to provide new hires with personalized guidance and support.
• Cultural Integration Activities: We design fun and engaging activities to help new hires integrate into the team and embrace your company culture.

Contact Training Booth today to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can help you create an onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success.

Make onboarding a priority, and watch your new hires thrive!