1. Pay Attention to the Preboarding Process
Preboarding is the process of welcoming and preparing new hires before their official start date at a company. You help them transition into their new role smoother, help them feel engaged and excited about their upcoming job, and foster a sense of belonging to the organisation even before they physically join the team.
Effectively executing preboarding can have several benefits, including:
- Reducing first-day jitters and helping them adjust to the new setting.
- Improving retention rates as the new hires get to experience your warm welcome.
- Increasing productivity since the beginning.
- Helping employees feel more prepared and integrated into the company culture from the beginning.
Tips for preboarding new employees
- After accepting the job offer, send the new employee a welcome package that includes information about the company, its culture, values, and any essential paperwork.
- Share an introductory email with the new employee and the existing team members, encouraging everyone to reach out and welcome the newcomer.
- Offer access to any necessary training materials or online courses that can help the new employee get up to speed on their role.
- Clearly communicate the first-day logistics, such as start time, location (if applicable), dress code, and any necessary items they should bring.
- Kickstart the preboarding journey with a warm virtual welcome. Consider scheduling a video call with the team, offering a virtual tour of the office (if possible), or a personalised welcome message from the CEO or department head.
- On their first day, ensure a warm welcome. Make sure the onboarding process is well-prepared, and consider sending the first 14 days’ program to the new hire in advance.
2. Have a Killer Onboarding Plan in Place
Employee onboarding is the next critical step in welcoming new hires. It’s the process of integrating and orienting new employees into an organisation.Â
The standard onboarding period for new employees is 90 days. However, it takes about 6 months for an employee to be 100% integrated into a new workplace.Â
This doesn’t mean there should be 6 months of training and courses. However, it means you should plan a process that extends beyond the traditional 2-4 weeks. During this period, you must train them, help them get acquainted with the work culture and policies, ensure a smooth transition, and set them up for success in their new role.Â