Onboarding a new employee into a pre-existing team can be like fitting a new cog into a complex machine; challenging yet ultimately transformative. For the employer, it can be difficult to outline the expectations of the role and the workplace culture beyond a job description. For the new employee, managing key dynamics and a new position can lead to a slow start if they are unable to adapt quickly. We’ve suggested three simple adjustments to the onboarding process that can lead to jumpstart success from day one.
Whether your new employee is senior and experienced in their field, or new to the industry, it is important for them to be able to acclimatise to the company’s workplace model. Perhaps this is through understanding the expectations within a hybrid/ remote model, the dress code, the importance of team catch-ups to the company, or even something as simple as the firm’s core values.
Whether it comes down to office hours, shared office space, company away days or in-person meetings, it is important for a new employee to be able to build good relationships with their colleagues. Through onboarding, organising an introductory one-to-one in-person meeting with influential members of the team could help to build close relationships. With 24% of UK businesses reporting that they intended to increase the use of remote work after COVID, it is more important now than ever that employees gain the opportunity to interact with colleagues in-person from the start of their onboarding. Especially with B2C companies, it is likely that clients are more trusting of a company that presents itself as tight-knit and with few information gaps between colleagues.
The final tip for a successful onboarding is to showcase the most inviting elements to an employee, and what makes your company stand out. Perhaps this is an impressive potential career progression, unique perks, or the friendly environment created by the team. Either way, this can be integral to the employee’s confidence in their new role. Show the employee how important they will be, and equally how important it is that their onboarding is successful!
