If there is one thing that can make or break the longevity of your new employee, it is the software onboarding process. Yes, you heard it right! As many companies are going digital using various software, their onboarding process plays a crucial role in an employee’s first impression.
Gone are those days when welcoming your new hires with a simple “Welcome aboard” and handing them a packet with company policies and benefits were enough. If you still believe in this old-school tactic, you may be shooting yourself in the foot.
So let’s dive into creating memorable onboarding experiences where your new employees feel not like they have won some lottery by getting selected but feel part of something bigger than themselves.
1) Offer Pre-Onboarding Communication
One bottleneck that most commonly arises during a new hire onboarding experience is miscommunication. Your organization can avoid misunderstandings and mishaps by communicating frequently and always keeping everyone involved in each step of the journey.
Isn’t it great to get pre-onboarding communication even before joining? You can send your newly hired employees emails updating them with social events, training schedules, and organizational goals or sending them personalized welcome messages from their team members. This will make them more excited about joining while simultaneously demonstrating proactiveness towards better engagement.
2) Introduce Them To the Company’s Culture
One way to help unite all individuals working for one common goal is through shared values and beliefs fostered by company culture. Every employee needs to understand what makes your company tick — its culture. Make sure that they feel connected as soon as possible by providing information about cultural initiatives such as diversity & inclusion programs or how you have been supporting local communities lately.
3) Ensure Effective Software Onboarding
A new hire’s IT environment must be ready to go from day one and don’t let them spend half their time waiting for access. You can ensure that every necessary tool, from active directory accounts and clock cards to company laptops or even desk spaces, is available before an employee starts their first day. A great way to streamline such processes is through a cloud-based HR-enabled system such as Zenefits or SAP SuccessFactors. In fact, you can also provide additional training and resources like screencast tutorials by hiring third-party trainers specific to apps such as Google Hangouts, MS Teams, etc. That way, your team members don’t struggle endlessly trying to learn how different software works.
4) Foster Connections among Buddies
Another crucial aspect while creating an engaging onboarding experience also includes ensuring that new hires have been introduced to the immediate team they will be working for. However, this should not JUST end there – virtually or in person. Creating group engagements where new employees get paired with colleagues over lunch or a coffee break goes beyond showing them around the office walls (or virtual lobbies). It allows them to engage in non-work conversations where they get a chance to build relationships with others on the team.
5) Design Personalized Programs
One-size-fits-all templates may no longer work effectively when it comes to efficient onboarding experiences. Try designing personalized programs considering each individual’s preferences and background skills. Remember taking note of interests from hobbies or passions makes people feel unique, which ultimately leads to better workplace culture.
The Bottom Line
In summary, effective onboarding is not just a mere welcome package; it encompasses much more than what actually meets the first eye. There are paramount aspects to be considered and practiced effectively to ensure each new hire is well-integrated with the company culture and values. By practicing the proper communication channels, preparing adequate software tools in advance, and fostering strong relationships between co-workers, we can create an amiable atmosphere where every single individual feels at home when they walk through company doors. Let’s make onboarding experiences unforgettable for new members!
