What Is Onboarding?
Starting a new job can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
The new hires are introduced to their team and try to remember new name and face combination; it slips away just as quickly. Before the new hires know it, there is another new group of people for them to meet, but they have just forgotten the names of everyone in the prior group. With their fingers crossed they meet this new group of other employees, in hope that there is not a name/face quiz at the end of the day.
The person leading the new hires through this maze insists they follow him/her. The new hires follow closely thinking they have no idea how to will find their way back around the location. Each new hire is quickly dropped off in a large room full of smiling faces and warm welcomes. Finally the new hires have arrived to begin their onboarding process.
Onboarding is the process by which new hires get introduced to the social and performance aspects of their jobs as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Not to be confused with an employee orientation; which is usually associated with new hire paperwork.
Onboarding is a very different process and employers are discovering how it can make all the difference in lowering turnover numbers, employee satisfaction and productivity.
During this time new hires will learn the company culture, knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to function effectively within their new organization.
This is a great time for employees to ask questions. Successful employees pay strict attention to the information given during this meeting. Onboarding is the company’s way of welcoming you to their culture, their environment and their business. This welcoming invitation is full of information to make sure your new place in the company is pleasant and comfortable for everyone concerned.
When onboarding is well-delivered, new hires can expect to achieve the following:
- Higher Job Satisfaction – New hires understand what to expect from the company and what is expected of them from the company.
- Organizational Commitment – New hires that connect with the company message and culture, find that the company is invested in their development as well.
- Lower Turnover – New hires that are fully-immersed in their position love what they do and where they do it.
- Higher Performance Levels – With job satisfaction comes higher performance levels.
- Lowered Stress Levels – A good fit in an organization, professionally and socially lowers stress levels.
In some companies, the onboarding process can last from 90 days to a year.
The assimilation process for some companies is longer and more in depth than others.
But one thing is sure. Providing a new hire “centric” onboarding process for future hires will provide the company better prepared employees who can hit the ground running.
It does not guarantee that they will remember everyone’s name, but it does guarantee a smoother transition for everyone involved!
© New To HR
