Pre-employment onboarding is the process of orienting and acclimating new hires before their first day on the job. It is a critical step in the employee lifecycle that can help reduce turnover, improve engagement and performance, and create a strong foundation for the new hire’s success.
While the specifics of pre-employment onboarding will vary from organization to organization, there are some best practices and trends that are emerging that all employers should be aware of.
Best Practices:
- Define the onboarding process and objectives upfront
The first step in creating a successful pre-employment onboarding program is to define the process and objectives upfront. What are the goals of onboarding? What needs to happen in order for a new hire to be successful in their role? Answering these questions will help you create a framework for your program.
- Communicate early and often
Once you have defined the onboarding process, it is important to communicate the details to all stakeholders involved. This includes the new hire, their manager, and any other team members they will be working with. The goal is to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.
- Make it a team effort
Onboarding should not be the responsibility of just one person or department. It should be a team effort, with everyone playing a role in welcoming new hire and helping them adjust to their new role.
- Set realistic expectations
One of the most common onboarding mistakes is setting unrealistic expectations for the new hire. It is important to remember that they are still learning and adjusting to their new role and environment. Be patient and give them the time and space they need to settle in.
- Personalize the experience
When possible, try to personalize the onboarding experience for each new hire. This could involve tailoring the program to their specific needs or providing them with resources that are relevant to their background and interests.
- Use technology wisely
Technology can be a great asset in the onboarding process, but it should be used wisely. Avoid using technology for its own sake – only use it if it will genuinely improve the experience for the new hire.
- Make it engaging
Onboarding is not just about filling out paperwork and attending training sessions. It should be an engaging experience that helps the new hire feel excited about their new role. Try to include a mix of activities, both in person and online, that will help the new hire learn about their role and the organization.
- Follow up after the first day
The first day on the job can be overwhelming for a new hire. Be sure to follow up with them afterward to see how they are doing and answer any questions they may have.
- Evaluate and improve
Finally, it is important to regularly evaluate your onboarding program and make improvements as needed. What is working well? What could be improved? What do the new hires themselves have to say? Use this feedback to continuously improve the program and make it the best it can be.
Trends:
- Technology-enabled onboarding
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the onboarding process. Organizations are using technology to streamline the process, improve communication, and personalize the experience for each new hire.
- Increased focus on engagement
There is a growing recognition of the importance of engagement in the onboarding process. Employers are focused on creating an engaging experience that will help new hires feel excited about their new roles.
- More personalized experiences
Organizations are increasingly tailoring the onboarding experience to the individual needs of each new hire. This could involve providing resources that are relevant to their background or interests or creating a customized program based on their specific needs.
- Increased use of data
Organizations are collecting more data about the onboarding process and using it to improve the experience for new hires. This data can help identify areas of improvement and make the process more efficient.
- Increased focus on the first day
The first day on the job is a critical time for a new hire. Employers are focused on making sure the first day goes smoothly and providing the new hire with everything they need to be successful.
Pre-employment onboarding is a critical part of the hiring process. By taking the time to onboard new employees properly, you can set them up for success in their new roles. There are a few best practices and trends that you should keep in mind when onboarding new employees.