Welcome to the ultimate resource for employee onboarding in 2024! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create a stellar onboarding experience for your new hires. From understanding the basics to implementing a structured process, we've got you covered.
- What is employee onboarding?
- Why does onboarding matter?
- How to build an unforgettable employee onboarding process
- Real-world employee onboarding examples
But before we dive in, we have a special gift for you!
What is employee onboarding?
Employee onboarding is the process of integrating new hires into your organisation. It goes far beyond the first day, extending through the critical initial weeks and months. Effective onboarding equips employees with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to thrive.
Check out our blog What is employee onboarding?
Why does onboarding matter?
The impact of onboarding is undeniable:
- Reduced turnover: research by Brandon Hall Group found companies with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82%.
- Increased productivity: the same study found employee productivity increased by 70% after a solid onboarding program.
- Enhanced engagement: a positive onboarding experience lays the foundation for long-term engagement and loyalty. A study by The Wyndhurst Group found that new employees who went through a structured onboarding program were 58% more likely to be with the organisation after three years.
- Stronger culture: onboarding is a prime opportunity to instil your company's values and culture. A survey by CareerBuilder found around 80% of employees believe onboarding programs help them integrate and understand company culture.
How to build an unforgettable employee onboarding process
A successful onboarding journey unfolds in phases:
1. Hiring process:
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- Craft clear and compelling job descriptions that accurately reflect the role and expectations.
- Implement a structured interview process to assess both skills and cultural fit.
- Communicate openly and transparently with candidates throughout the hiring process.
2. Before the first day:
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- Send a welcome guide: provide a digital guidebook outlining company culture, expectations, and first-day logistics.
- Prepare workspace: ensure their workspace is ready with necessary equipment, supplies, and a welcome message.
- Assign a buddy: pair the new hire with a mentor or buddy to provide guidance and support.
3. The first day:
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- Warm welcome: greet your new employee enthusiastically and make them feel valued.
- Office tour: introduce them to the team and give a tour of the workplace.
- Complete paperwork: handle necessary paperwork efficiently and smoothly.
- Set expectations: clarify their role, responsibilities, and performance goals.
4. The first week:
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- Team introductions: facilitate introductions and team-building activities.
- Training sessions: provide comprehensive training on tools, systems, and processes.
- Regular check-ins: schedule frequent check-ins to address questions and offer support.
5. The first three months:
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- Continuous learning: offer ongoing development opportunities and mentorship.
- Feedback and reviews: provide constructive feedback and conduct formal performance reviews.
- Encourage connections: foster social connections through team lunches, events, or informal gatherings.
Real-world employee onboarding examples
Successful companies understand the power of extended onboarding:
Asana: 90-day onboarding plan for role clarity and cultural immersion
Asana, a popular project management software company, has a comprehensive 90-day onboarding plan that extends well beyond the initial week. Their approach emphasises:
- Role clarity: new hires receive clear expectations and goals from the outset, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
- Skill development: Asana provides ongoing training and resources to help employees master the skills needed for their role. This includes both technical skills related to their specific job and broader professional development opportunities.
- Cultural integration: Asana fosters a strong sense of community and shared values. They encourage new hires to participate in team-building activities, connect with mentors, and learn about the company's unique culture.
Buffer: open communication and continuous feedback
Buffer, a social media management platform, has a reputation for its transparent and open communication culture. This emphasis on communication is reflected in their onboarding process:
- Open communication channels: Buffer encourages open dialogue between new hires and their managers, colleagues, and even company leadership. They promote the use of various communication tools to ensure everyone feels heard and connected.
- Regular feedback: new employees receive frequent feedback to help them quickly adapt and grow in their roles. This feedback culture creates a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.
- Buddy system: each new hire is paired with a "buddy" who acts as a mentor and provides support during the onboarding process. This helps new employees build relationships and feel more connected to the company.
Zappos: culture fit as a core value
Zappos, the online shoe and clothing retailer, is famous for its quirky and customer-centric culture. Their onboarding process is designed to reinforce this culture from day one:
- Cultural immersion: new hires are immersed in Zappos' core values, which include "Deliver WOW Through Service," "Create Fun and A Little Weirdness," and "Embrace and Drive Change." They learn about the company's history, philosophy, and unique approach to customer service.
- Culture fit interview: after a few weeks of onboarding, new hires undergo a "Culture fit" interview. This interview focuses on assessing whether the new employee's values align with Zappos' culture.
- Peer connections: Zappos encourages social interactions between new hires and existing employees through team-building activities, social events, and a buddy program.
Final thoughts
A thoughtfully designed onboarding process is an investment in your employees and your company's future. By prioritising a structured, engaging, and supportive experience, you set new hires on a path to success and empower them to become valued contributors.
Transform your onboarding with Touch Stay
Forget scattered emails and outdated handbooks. TouchStay's digital guidebook platform revolutionises the onboarding process:
- Streamline onboarding: centralise all information in one easy-to-access guidebook
- Engage and empower: deliver a multimedia experience with videos, images, and interactive elements
- Stay up-to-date: easily update content to keep information fresh and relevant
- Reflect your brand: customise the guidebook to match your company's unique culture and style
Create a smooth and successful onboarding experience with Touch Stay
