Tips on Successfully Onboarding Your New Employees

July 23, 2012, by Stephanie Messier | Employee Onboarding

A successful new employee onboarding program includes the following:

• Various checklists such as pre-boarding, onboarding, new employee file and manager checklists

• Orientation schedule

• New employee development plan

• Buddy program

• Performance Review process

• Information on the company such as overview, policies and procedures

• Administrative housekeeping items

A communication plan should also be developed which could include the following:

• Welcome email or letter to employee after offer is accepted

• Email to colleagues notifying them of new employee, his or her role as well as start date

• Email to other departments notifying them of new hire first day so they can plan accordingly their part of the onboarding process (i.e. IT, Finance, Facilities, etc.)

The goal is to create a positive experience that reassures new hires that they made the right choice and lays the groundwork for high employee engagement.  A few tips:

• Don’t try to cram too much information on the first day

• Review work conditions and policies of the organization

• Review basic guidelines (parking, dress code, office and work hours, lunch and break times, supplies, printer/copier/fax, shipping, local amenities and pay frequency

• Review security and safety procedures

• Review personal use of telephone and the company's computer/internet policies

• Ensure employee has a list of key contacts

By following the above tips you will be well on the way to successfully onboarding your new employees.