Onboarding
Employee onboarding describes the process of preparing a newly hired employee to join your company or organisation. In the late 20th century, onboarding was often referred to as “organisational socialisation”, but this term is rarely used today.
The purpose of onboarding is to integrate new hires as quickly and efficiently as possible, setting them up with the tools and resources they need to do their job, as well as introducing them to the people they’ll be working with.
Common steps in the onboarding process include:
- Making a formal job offer and agreeing a salary
- Completing all relevant paperwork and employment contracts
- Sharing of the company handbook and any policy guides
- Keeping in regular contact in the lead-up to their start date
- Introducing the company benefits and perks
- Giving the new hire a tour of the business on their first day
- Familiarising them with fire & health and safety procedures
- Introducing your new hire to their team
- Checking in regularly while they get settled in
Although employee onboarding is often thought to end once a member of staff has begun work, depending on their role and industry, onboarding can actually last several weeks or even months, finishing only when the employee is both comfortable and competent in their role.
Onboarding is an important part of the overall employee experience as offered by employers, as it lays the groundwork for the future relationship between the employer and employee.
