Optimizing onboarding supports a new hire’s success. For instance, effective onboarding helps a new employee acclimate to the company’s culture, form relationships with colleagues and coworkers, and learn the job duties and responsibilities. These activities increase the new hire’s likelihood of remaining long-term.
Understanding key practices for onboarding strengthens a new hire’s odds of longevity within your organization. These suggestions can help.
Implement these key practices to optimize onboarding for new hire success.
Begin Onboarding Before Day 1
Start onboarding a new hire soon after they accept a job offer. Quickly engaging the new employee encourages them to show up on their start date.
Send a welcome email
You might send a welcome email 1-2 weeks before the new hire’s start date. Consider including the following information:
- The first week’s agenda
- Items to bring on Day 1, such as a work badge or paperwork
- Parking and arrival instructions
- Dress code
- Contact information
- Breakroom information
Send a follow-up email
You might send another email a few days before the new hire’s start date:
- Share how excited you are for the new employee to join your team.
- Include a schedule for Day 1 so the new hire knows what to expect.
- Detail whom to contact with questions.
- Provide a link to the employee handbook for review.
Email the New Hire Paperwork
Use workflow automation software to send the new hire’s employment forms:
- Form I-9 to verify employment eligibility
- Form W-4 to withhold federal tax
- State tax withholding form
- New hire reporting form
- Internal forms such as an employee benefits form or a non-disclosure agreement
The new hire can fill out and submit the employment paperwork before they begin working. Then, the documents can be securely stored and accessed as needed.
Set Up the New Hire’s Workspace
Ensure the new hire’s workspace includes the equipment, login credentials, and other information needed to begin work. Also, ensure everything is functioning before Day 1.
Provide a kit with a welcome letter, coffee mug, and office supplies. These personal touches help the new hire feel like part of the team.
Introduce the New Hire to Your Team
Schedule time for the new hire to meet their teammates. Also, introduce the new employee to the coworkers they will interact with the most. Building employee relationships encourages the new hire to feel connected and stay long-term.
Pair the New Hire with a Buddy
Assign a team member to help the new hire acclimate to the role and company. The team member can provide advice and guidance to navigate the culture, learn the job duties and responsibilities, and build relationships.
Request New Hire Feedback
Send the new hire a survey asking for constructive feedback on the onboarding process. Then, implement the most relevant responses.
Consider including the following questions in the onboarding survey:
- Did you feel welcome by the team?
- Which information and activities were the most helpful during your first 6 months?
- Which information and activities did you feel were unhelpful or unnecessary?
- What could be done to improve the onboarding process?
- Would you recommend the company as a place to work?
- Do you have additional comments about the company?
Would You Like Help with Onboarding?
Corps Team can provide guidance and support to help optimize your onboarding process. Find out more today.
