10 Onboarding Best Practices To Turn New Hires Into Lasting Employees

Onboarding is a crucial process that can set the tone for an employee’s entire tenure with a company. A well-executed onboarding program can sculpt your company as such to provide a phenomenal employee experience and help new hires feel welcome, engaged, and productive. In contrast, a poorly executed onboarding process can lead to confusion, disengagement, and ultimately, high turnover rates.

In this blog, we will discuss ten onboarding best practices to turn new hires into lasting employees.

Start before the first day

Onboarding should begin before the employee’s first day on the job; as soon as a candidate accepts an offer. Send them an email welcoming them to the team and provide them with important information such as their start date, who to report to, and what to expect on their first day. This early communication helps the new hire feel welcomed and reduces anxiety about the first day. You can also provide them with any necessary information, such as what to wear, where to park, or what to bring with them. This step ensures that the new hire is fully prepared and feels confident about starting their new role.

Provide a warm welcome

The first few days on the job are critical in creating a lasting impression on new hires. A warm welcome helps to ease any anxiety and makes the new employee feel valued and part of the team. Assign a buddy or mentor to show them around the workplace, introduce them to colleagues, and help them acclimate to the new environment. A welcome gift or a company swag bag can also go a long way in making the new hire feel special and appreciated.

Clearly communicate expectations

It is essential to clearly communicate what is expected of the new employee. The job description may not always provide enough information about what the role entails, so it’s important to provide additional context. Outline the new hire’s role, responsibilities, and what they need to achieve in their first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. This type of communication sets expectations for the new hire and provides a roadmap for their success. It also helps employees understand how they fit into the company’s larger goals and objectives.

Offer training and development

Provide training and development opportunities that will help the new hire grow and develop within the company. This will not only help improve their skills but also make them feel valued and invested in. Encourage the new hire to attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences that are relevant to their role.

Foster open communication

Creating an environment of open communication is critical in the onboarding process. Encourage the new hire to ask questions, provide feedback, and voice any concerns they may have. A new employee may feel hesitant to speak up in a new environment, so it’s important to make it clear that their input is valued.

Regular check-ins with the new employee provide an opportunity for feedback and ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly. It also helps the new hire feel supported and shows that the company is concerned about their employees’ welfare.

Provide access to resources

Ensure that new hires have access to the resources they need to perform their job effectively. This includes providing access to software, hardware, and other tools they need to complete their work. It’s also essential to provide access to company policies and procedures, employee handbooks, and other important documents that new hires may need to refer to.

Assign meaningful tasks

Assigning meaningful tasks to new hires helps them feel valued and invested in the company. This also provides an opportunity for new employees to showcase their skills and strengths. Assigning tasks that are challenging but achievable helps new hires build confidence and establish themselves as capable and competent employees.

Introduce company culture

Introducing new hires to the company culture is critical to their success. This includes explaining the company’s mission, values, and goals. It’s also essential to introduce the new hire to the company’s unique work environment, including office culture, team dynamics, and communication norms. Introducing new hires to the company’s culture helps them feel like part of the team and helps them understand how they can contribute to the company’s success.

Celebrate milestones

Celebrate milestones and achievements during the onboarding process. This can include acknowledging the completion of training modules or the successful completion of a project. Celebrating milestones helps new hires feel valued and appreciated, which in turn increases their engagement and motivation.

Continuously improve the onboarding process

Finally, it’s essential to continuously improve the onboarding process. Solicit feedback from new hires and use it to refine the onboarding process. This helps ensure that new hires have the best possible experience and are set up for success in their new role. It also shows that the company is invested in its employees’ success and is committed to continuously improving the employee experience.

In conclusion, a successful onboarding process is crucial to turning new hires into lasting employees. It is imperative to ensure that new hires feel welcomed, supported, and invested in their success. A strong onboarding program not only increases retention rates but also contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce.