Blog

Congratulations, you've successfully navigated the recruitment process and secured some new talent for your team. But, here's the kicker - your job isn't done yet. It's time to talk about onboarding, the crucial bridge between hiring and long-term success. 

When you get onboarding right, you're not just welcoming new employees; you're setting the stage for lower turnover, higher morale, and improved customer satisfaction. The consistency of your EVP should extend seamlessly from recruitment to onboarding, ensuring your new hires feel the same enthusiasm and alignment they did when they signed on the dotted line.

Create a Playbook

Let's start by making life easier for everyone involved. Imagine handing a new employee a playbook that outlines everything they need to know about your company. 

Instead of overwhelming them with a barrage of information they'll likely forget, a playbook provides a structured and consistent onboarding process. It clearly outlines expectations, where to find essential information, and who to reach out to for guidance. It's the first step in setting the stage for a smooth onboarding experience.

Start Before Day One & Make the First Day Count

Don't wait until the first day to re-engage with your new recruit or welcome them to the team. Reach out to them before their start date, expressing your excitement for their arrival and sharing any useful information that might ease their first-day jitters. 

Making the first day memorable is equally important. Whether it's a warm welcome, some company swag, a decorated desk, or a team lunch, ensure your new recruits feel like part of the family from day one.

Part of the Team from the Start

The sooner new hires build effective working relationships with their peers, the better. There's much a hiring manager can do to facilitate this process. 

Set up one-on-one meetings with team members to encourage bonding and provide a deeper understanding of roles and responsibilities. Assign them a 'buddy' from the team who can offer guidance and support during those initial days. By mindfully integrating them into the team, you're fast-tracking their assimilation into your company culture.

Setting Clear Expectations - The First 90-Day Plan

To onboard a new employee successfully, you need to be crystal clear about what's expected of them during the first three months. Provide specific goals with timelines and offer guidance on how to achieve each one. Setting clear expectations not only helps new hires succeed in the long run but also allows for quick wins that boost their confidence early on.

In a nutshell, onboarding is a pivotal phase that requires as much time and attention as recruitment. It bridges the gap between recruitment and long-term success, ensuring new hires feel valued, informed, and part of the team from day one. By creating a structured playbook, reaching out before day one, integrating new hires into the team, and setting clear expectations, you're setting them up for a great experience and ultimately, success.

Key Takeaways:

• A well-structured playbook simplifies the onboarding process.
• Pre-day one communication eases new hire anxiety.
• Integration into the team accelerates the assimilation process.
• Setting clear expectations with a 90-day plan is a recipe for success.