5 Tips for Creating an Engaging and Memorable Employee Onboarding Experience
First impressions are important, and as an employee’s first introduction to their new workplace, the onboarding process is essential for integrating new hires into the company culture and ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. An engaging and memorable onboarding experience can have a significant impact on employee retention and productivity. Plus, with some studies suggesting that up to 33% of new hires quit within the first 90 days, it can be costly to get the onboarding experience wrong. To start new employees off on the right foot, we recommend the following:
- Start Before the First Day:
Onboarding starts well before the first day of work. Send new hires a welcome email that includes information about their first day, what they should expect, and any materials they need to bring. Include a short video message from the hiring manager or team leader welcoming them to the team and outlining what they can expect in the coming days. - Make It Personal:
A personalized onboarding experience can go a long way in making new hires feel welcome and valued. Assign a mentor or buddy to each new hire who can answer any questions they may have and show them around the office. Consider personalizing the employee’s workstation with their name, favorite snacks, or a personalized note from their manager. - Create a Comprehensive Onboarding Program:
A comprehensive onboarding program should cover everything new hires need to know to be successful in their role. This includes the company culture, policies, procedures, and expectations. Consider breaking down the onboarding program into smaller modules or sections to make it more manageable for new hires. - Encourage Interaction and Collaboration:
Encourage new hires to interact with other team members and collaborate on projects or tasks. Consider setting up team-building activities or assigning new hires to cross-functional projects to help them get to know their colleagues and the company culture better. - Provide Ongoing Support:
Onboarding does not end after the first week or two. Provide ongoing support to new hires and check-in regularly to see how they are adjusting. Consider setting up a follow-up meeting with their mentor or team leader after the first month to discuss their progress and any areas they may need additional support.
An engaging and memorable onboarding experience is critical to employee retention and productivity. By starting before the first day, making it personal, creating a comprehensive program, encouraging interaction and collaboration, and providing ongoing support, you can create an effective onboarding experience that sets your new hires up for success. Remember, the goal of onboarding is to integrate new hires into the company culture and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. With these tips, you can create a successful onboarding experience that helps your new hires feel welcome and valued.
