The employee onboarding process is the process of orienting and acclimating a new employee to their job and workplace. The goal of an employee onboarding process is to help the new employee feel comfortable and confident in their new role, and to help them become productive as quickly as possible.
There are a few different steps that are typically included in an employee onboarding process:
1. Introductions
The first step in the employee onboarding process is to introduce the new employee to their coworkers and their work environment. This step helps the new employee feel comfortable and welcomed, and it helps them get to know the people they will be working with.
New employees should be introduced to their colleagues, their managers, and their work area on their first day. This will help the new employee feel welcome and help him or her to feel like as if they are part of a team. Moreover, it will also help the person understand the new role within the company and what is expected.
A welcome gift for new employees sometimes can be a good idea. It might include a company t-shirt, a gift card to a local coffee shop, or a note of welcome from the hiring manager.
2. Job Training
The second step in the employee onboarding process is to provide the new employee with job training. This step helps the new employee learn the skills needed to perform the job, and it helps the person understand the expectations of the role.
Job training is essential for new employees to learn the ropes and become productive members of the team. It's important that experienced employees provide training to new employees so that the new employee can learn the company's culture, procedures, and expectations. New employees should be given the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback so that they can learn and improve.
3. Workplace Orientation
The third step in the employee onboarding process is to provide the new employee with a workplace orientation. This step helps the new employee understand the policies and procedures of the workplace.
It can include a review of the following topics:
- general office and work space safety
- work assignment ergonomics
- office and work area emergency procedures
4. Setting Goals & Objectives
The fourth step in the employee onboarding process is to create a plan for what objectives need to be met. Many organisations now use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) to set goals. In technology companies, these are commonly referred to as OKRs and are centred on the employee helping meet team, departmental or business level KPIs (key performance indicators).
5. Follow-Up
Follow up and catch up are important in the first few weeks and months while the employee still becomes familiar with the new company and is in the process of developing the personal networks to succeed.
