Creating a successful onboarding program can help decrease turnover and increase productivity in new hires. A strong program will encourage new hires to become passionate about your organization as they see opportunities for growth as a long-term hire.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Be prepared.
Make sure that your new hire will be able to get started right away. Have their working area setup, make sure their computer and phone lines are working, and have their email information on hand. You'll also want to make sure new employees has access to all the information they'll need for their role.
It takes a village.
Make sure that you involve multiple people in the onboarding process. Include the hiring manager, senior management and members of the staff. Having several people in this process will help your new hire get used to into your organization quickly. You'll also show your company's commitment and dedication to the new hire.
Provide a mentor.
New employees should have a strong understanding of your organization and culture after interviewing. Providing a mentor with first-hand knowledge will give new hires a deeper understanding of your organization. It’s also a great way to allow the new employee to form initial bonds and feel integrated with the team.
Set benchmarks and goals.
When a new employee joins an organization, it's essential that they know what is expected of them. Set goals for your new hire, and break them down into small and attainable objectives for the first weeks. These goals will provide the employee with an incentive to perform and deliver meaningful work as they adjust to their new position.
Keep it going.
Although new employees can be quickly brought up to speed to begin their work, make sure that your onboarding process doesn’t end too quickly. It is important to have regular check-ins to make sure that the new hire is acclimating well and is comfortable within your organization.
