The Process of Onboarding New Hires
Deciding to hire a new employee is only the beginning of the process – you still have to onboard them successfully! If you want your new hire to be productive and effective as soon as possible, follow these tips for a smooth transition. Jordan Sudberg lists what you should do when bringing a new employee on board.
1. Make New Hires Feel Welcome
The first step in onboarding a new employee is to make them feel welcome at the company. Send a company-wide email introducing the new hire, and have someone from the HR team reach out to them on their first day. Make sure they have all the necessary information and resources they need to be successful in their role. Sudberg recommends taking the time to get to know your new hire on a personal level. “Ask them about their family, their hobbies, and what they like to do outside work,” he says. “This will help you get to know them as a person, and it will make them feel more comfortable in their new environment.”
2. Connect Them with a Mentor
One of the best ways to onboard new hires is to connect them with a mentor. This person can be someone who has been with the company for a while, knows the ropes, or even another new hire. Having a mentor will help your new employee feel supported and comfortable in their new environment. Mentors can answer any new hires’ questions and help them feel welcome in the company. Assigning a mentor is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition for the new employee.
3. Schedule Group Onboarding Activities
Group onboarding activities are a great way to help your new hire feel comfortable and welcomed into the company. It can be simple as taking them out to lunch with the team or having a group happy hour after work. These activities help new hires feel like they are part of the team from day one and allow you to get to know them better. Scheduling group onboarding activities also enable you to assess how well the new hire is getting along with the rest of the team. If you see that they are having difficulty connecting with others, you can take steps to help them feel more included.
4. Circle Back for Weekly Check-Ins
Jordan Sudberg stresses that the first few weeks on the job are crucial for a new hire. They’re trying to learn everything they can and acclimate to their new role. As their manager, you need to provide guidance and support during this time. Schedule weekly check-ins with your new hire during their first month on the job. This will allow you to answer their questions and give them feedback. Make sure you’re clear about your expectations for the role and what you expect from your new hire. It’s also essential to allow them to provide feedback about their experience so far. These check-ins are a great way to build trust and ensure that your new hire is on the right track.
Onboarding a new employee is a necessary process that should not be taken lightly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new hire has a smooth transition into their role and the company. Creating a positive onboarding experience will help your new hire feel comfortable and welcomed and set them up for success in their new role.