Onboarding is a crucial step of the employment process. The onboarding process is the series of actions and activities an employer takes to integrate new hires into the company and set them up for success.

It typically begins with accepting a job offer and ends when the new hire is fully integrated into the company and performing their job duties.

Read More: Four Little Know Elements of Job Satisfaction

PIVOTAL ROLE OF ONBOARDING  

The Harvard Business Review reports that the onboarding experience is a pivotal moment for your new hires. During this process, employers need to think from the candidate’s perspective.

What do they want to learn? What are their habits, and how can the company benefit from them? Where can they shine more? These are just a few questions you can ask yourself as an employer to ensure sustainable onboarding.

So, why should companies onboard their employees?

To create a positive candidate experience: A well-designed and executed onboarding process can make a positive candidate experience, which leads to increased employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

To set expectations: The onboarding process sets expectations for the new hire regarding the company’s mission, values, and expectations. This helps the new hire understand the company culture and their role within it.

To provide comprehensive training: The onboarding process provides new hires with extensive training on the company’s products, services, processes, and tools. This helps new hires understand their responsibilities and how to perform effectively.

To foster team cohesion: The onboarding process helps new hires feel connected to their team and the company. This can foster a sense of belonging and teamwork, increasing employee engagement and productivity.

To facilitate the integration process: The onboarding process enables the integration of new hires into the company. It helps new hires understand the company’s policies, procedures, and systems and feel comfortable in their new environment.

The ever-changing job market forces employers to grow; as of now, most jobs are either remote or hybrid, and employers need to know how to onboard all types of hires.

The following are methods you can use to improve the onboarding process in your company and warrant every employee is well-inducted into your company processes.

IMPROVING THE ONBOARDING PROCESS 

An article from Harvard Business Review (HBR) recommends spending time on the onboarding process.

As the first few months to a year of a new hire are their most impactful, the onboarding process should involve organisational, technical, and social elements. Here we share how an employer can improve their onboarding process for on-site, hybrid, and remote workers.

Making it Fun

Making the onboarding process fun for on-site, remote, and hybrid workers is essential because it can increase engagement and motivation among new hires, improve team cohesion, enhance learning, create a positive candidate experience, showcase the company culture and values, and break the ice.

A fun and interactive onboarding process can help new hires feel more comfortable and relaxed, making it easier for them to ask questions and make connections with their colleagues, as well as it can help them decide if the company is a good fit for them.

Communicate expectations

Communicating expectations sets the foundation for successful integration into the company. It helps new hires understand the company’s policies, procedures, and systems and feel comfortable in their new environment.

This improves their performance and productivity and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or mistakes. Furthermore, it can help to establish trust and open communication channels between the new hire and the employer, which is crucial for the long-term success of the employee in the company.

Assign a mentor or buddy

Assign a mentor or buddy to new hires to help them navigate the company and answer any questions they may have. This person can also serve as a sounding board for the new hire to discuss any concerns they may have.

Set up regular check-ins

Regular check-ins during the onboarding process are important because they provide ongoing support and help ensure the new hire’s success within the company. These check-ins allow the employer to monitor the new hire’s progress, address any issues that may arise, and provide feedback and guidance.

They also allow the new hire to ask questions, voice concerns and discuss any challenges they may face.

Additionally, regular check-ins allow the employer to evaluate the effectiveness of the onboarding process and make any necessary adjustments, which can lead to a more efficient and effective method for the new hires and the company.

Provide comprehensive training

Provide extensive training for new hires on the company’s products, services, processes, and tools. Employers can do this through online training modules, webinars, or in-person sessions.

Customise the onboarding process

Each employee has different needs based on their role, so it’s essential to customise the onboarding process accordingly.

Ensure access to company resources

Ensure remote and hybrid workers can access the same resources as on-site employees, such as the company intranet, database, and other tools.

Making it Inclusive

Making the onboarding process inclusive regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees. It helps to ensure that all new hires feel valued, respected, and understood, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

This can lead to increased engagement, motivation, and retention among all new hires. Additionally, it can help the company attract and retain a diverse workforce, bringing various perspectives, ideas, and experiences, enhancing innovation and problem-solving, which can benefit the company.

Furthermore, it can help create a culture where all employees feel heard, respected, and valued, leading to a more positive and inclusive work environment.

Read More: Diversity in Tech Matters Now More Than Ever

ON-DEMAND GROUP WILL HELP YOU WITH ONBOARDING AND BEYOND 

For over 25 years, On-Demand Group has provided complete and equal opportunities for candidates and clients. We want our candidates to reach their full potential. We give individual to project-based consulting services, direct hire, and offshore support solutions to your needs.

We can help you find the best matches to fill your vacancies. With us, you can improve your onboarding and employee engagement needs. Reach out to us today!