A lackluster onboarding process for new hires might not seem like a big deal, but poor onboarding turns out to be bottom line. People with a bad onboarding experience often feel unprepared for their job, which triggers disengagement, which triggers departure. Revenue, in turn, costs your business a bundle in direct and indirect costs.
The good news in this storm of business owner anxiety is that there are many steps you can take that improve the onboarding process for new employees. Confused about where your onboarding process may need help? Read on for six tips that will help your employee integrate.
Don’t make the onboarding process for new hires a red tape
Yes, you need documents from your new hires to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. You don’t need employees to spend half a day filling out forms and reading documents in person. Configure it with integration software, such as Workbright Integration Software, so that they can view or complete online forms in advance.
Pair
Navigating the culture and politics of a new job while trying to learn that job is in great demand. Match new hires with a friend or mentor who meets them regularly. This gives them someone who knows the scenery to whom they can ask questions.
Establish an onboarding schedule
No employee in the history of has ever really touched the ground while running. It can take months before they equal the productivity of their colleagues. The onboarding schedule must take this into account and gradually increase the work and responsibilities assigned to new employees.
Job-specific materials
Each employee should be provided with onboarding material that is specific to their job. In terms of responsibilities, the new programmer and the new salesperson might as well work in different companies. Integration materials should help them understand their work.
Leverage technology
In the age of cheap HD cameras and streaming video, there’s no excuse to hand new employees a three-inch document cabinet. Create webinar-style content for employees to watch. It can improve attention and retention.
Prepare their space
Does your new hire have a locker, cubicle or office? That locker, cubicle, or desk should already contain everything the new employee needs, whether it’s a combination, a desk, or a computer connected to the corporate network. Preparing these things in advance saves time and prevents unnecessary headaches for employees.
Successful onboarding of new recruits
A successful onboarding process for new hires recognizes the realities new hires face. It takes time for new employees to acclimatize to the culture and learn their responsibilities.
You can alleviate some of these problems. A friend or mentor can help new hires familiarize themselves with the culture and politics. Job-specific equipment and training can accelerate the rate at which someone becomes productive. Wherever you can, take technology to your advantage with video or interactive training.
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