Essentials of Onboarding

You've scoured the lands searching for the right candidate - not A candidate, but THE candidate - and you have been fortunate enough to secure them to work for your company.  They have signed on the dotted line and are starting on Monday.  But are you prepared to do your best to assimilate and retain this new hire?  Here are a few tips and points from my experience that have made a tremendous difference in having a smooth or rocky start for new team members.

Onboarding begins well before Day 1

First impressions are made within 7-10 seconds and they are very powerful and, if bad, can be very difficult to overcome.  From the moment your candidate first hears of the company, visits your website and sees your organization in the media an opinion is formed as to it's caliber and quality.  Maintaining these at an optimal level will help to leave a favorable image in the eyes and heart of your prodigy.  Additionally during the recruitment process - did you return calls and emails in a timely manner?  Were there any surprises or disappointments during the process?  Did you answer all questions fully and completely?  These are the small things that make a big difference in the infancy of professional relationships

Be prepared!

When your new team member arrives on Day 1 partner with your HR Manager and the other members of your leadership to formally welcome the new individual.  Having a small plant at the desk, keeping the workplace neat and tidy and having business cards ready are all small things that can excite your new employee and make them proud to be working at your organization.  Also take the time to introduce them to the team and help them start their internal network within the office - being new can be intimidating.  Additionally make sure that all orientation procedures that your company has to offer, from literature to presentations, are available and ready for your new employee.  Finally be prepared to spend a good portion of the day with your new employee - show them the facilities in depth and also do lunch.  This will help them to feel comfortable and welcome

Check-in Frequently

During the first few weeks of employment the expectations of what is to be done may not be 100% clear.  Having frequent meetings with your new team member will help them to best understand their new job as well as initiate the feedback loop to help reinforce positive performance and also curtail any behaviors or areas for improvement through coaching and training.

At the end of the day, showing care and going the extra mile will surely pay dividends in the long run.  Use this time to set the tone for an effective, positive working relationship - it is an invaluable investment.  This is not the end-all list for sure but the above are some valuable tips from experience that go a log way to bringing your new team member into the fold and up to speed sooner than later - as well as establish the relationship and rapport to build a long term career.  Your thoughts are also welcome and appreciated - please comment and share!

Kevin