Onboarding Best Practices for Millennials and All Employees 2024

August, 23 2024

Effective Onboarding is critical when a company hires a new employee. When done well, it helps them settle into the company smoothly, understand how things work, and feel ready to do their best work. This is super important for keeping employees around, making sure they stay happy, and helping them work well

A good onboarding process is like a guidebook that shows new employees what they need to know to do well in their new job. It teaches them about the company’s expectations, the skills they’ll need, the tools they’ll use, the people they’ll work with, and the overall culture. It’s like giving them a map for their journey in the company. And not just that, it also helps them understand how their job fits into their long-term career plans

Think of Onboarding as the first chapter in the story of a new employee’s time at a company. It’s a particular time when they’re introduced to everything and everyone. It can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s also exciting because it’s the start of something new. And since many people see a new job as a step forward in their career, a lot is riding on this beginning. It’s not just about learning the ropes; it’s about setting the tone for what comes next in their career journey

There are some excellent ways to make sure new hires start on the right foot

• Start Onboarding Early: It's good to get new employees excited and involved even before their first day of work. Sending them stuff with the company logo and sharing what they can expect on their first day can help them feel more comfortable
• Finish Paperwork Early: Nobody wants to spend their first day filling out forms. Getting all that stuff out of the way before they start can save a lot of time. Things like tax forms and agreements can be done online to make it easier
• Give Them a Welcome Kit: It's a nice gesture to give new hires a little something to welcome them to the team. It could be something simple like a company mug or something unique that represents the company's vibe. Sending it as soon as they accept the job offer is a good idea
• Get Everyone Involved: Onboarding isn’t just HR's job. Everyone in the company should know how it works and what their role is. This makes new hires feel like they’re part of the team right away
• Assign a Buddy: Having a buddy to show them the ropes can be really helpful. It's less intimidating to ask questions to a colleague than to a manager. They can help new hires understand the company culture and how things work
• Let Them Shadow: Spending some time shadowing different departments helps new employees understand their roles better and get to know their coworkers
• Make the First Day Special: The first day should be welcoming and informative. Setting up their workspace, introducing them to the team, and maybe even organizing a lunch out can make a big difference
• Keep Your Culture Consistent: Company culture is essential for keeping employees happy and motivated. Make sure it's clear what makes your company unique and why people like working there
• Start Slowly: Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Gradually assigning tasks and checking in often helps new hires feel more comfortable
• Define Success Clearly: It's essential to be clear about what success looks like in your company. This will help new hires understand what's expected of them
• Check-in Regularly: Onboarding is an ongoing process. Regular check-ins help make sure new hires are settling in well and getting the support they need
• Get Senior Leaders Involved: Having senior leaders participate in Onboarding shows new hires that the company values them. It could be giving them a tour or sharing the company's history
• Be Flexible: Plans can change, so it's essential to be flexible. Having a plan for remote Onboarding and being open to changes is critical
• Keep Improving: Onboarding isn’t something you set and forget. It’s essential to keep getting feedback and improving the process as the company grows and changes

For both the company and the new employee, Onboarding is a big deal. It’s a chance to make a solid first impression and start things off on the right foot. It’s like laying the foundation for a house; if it’s done well, everything else will be sturdy and solid. So, getting onboarding right is crucial because it sets the stage for how the rest of the relationship between the employee and the company will go.