Employee Onboarding

What is employee onboarding?

Employee onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee to the tools and information they need to succeed in their role. It involves the integration of the new employee into team members and work processes.

Why is employee onboarding important?

Employee onboarding is necessary to help the employee succeed in their new role and integrate them with their team. Employees who are not onboarded properly will have gaps in information, difficulty finding the tools and make mistakes that could have been avoided. New employees are expected to have questions, but a strong onboarding process answers the most common ones. This is important so that managers and co-workers do not have to spend more time than necessary clarifying.

Examples of an employee onboarding process:

• Introduction to the team: It’s important to set aside time for new staff to meet key team members and get accustomed to their workflow. For shift workers, this can include a tour of the workspace and knowing where to find other team members. For remote workers, it helps to put a face to a name through video call and build camaraderie.

• Clear rules and guidelines: New team members need to know what acceptable behaviour and safety regulations are at a workspace. This sets the tone for the culture of a team. Managers can create a document for new team members to look through. In order to make sure the information sticks, consider making a quiz for new team members to do.

• Training videos or courses: For information that every new team member needs to know, you can consider creating a training video to automate part of the onboarding process. For example, a training video on workplace safety or digital security would be helpful for every new team member.

• Checklists: It is helpful for new team members to get acquainted with where things are in a digital or physical workspace. Consider having a list of tasks that will help them learn by doing, not just reading or listening. For example, going through different file structures, or booking a meeting with a specific team member.

• Company News and History: To help team members understand their company’s mission and values, an overview of a company’s history and recent accomplishments is valuable. This can include milestones, origins, and growth in the past years. It can also build morale to share team stories and socials.

• Buddy system or mentorship: New team members can better get to know their way around a company if there is someone they can rely on for help. Consider pairing up new team members with seasoned team members for a buddy system or mentorship program.

• Welcome kits or events: Some companies go the extra mile to make new team members feel welcome. This can include gifts with company swag or even putting balloons on the chairs of new staff. Letting team members know what additional perks and benefits they get are a great way to welcome them. Some teams have welcome breakfasts as well.

• Orientation games: Consider creating a fun activity to engage new hires. An example could be a bingo challenge with trivia about your team’s workspace. In order to build team spirit, you can create mini teams that work together and compete for points. Some companies create their own traditions, like giving new hires a nerf gun for their next nerf gun war.