For employers, the employee onboarding process is such an ideal opportunity to build loyalty and long-term trust in their new hires.
But, in most cases, it is often treated as a formality of introduction, performed in a rushed manner.
In fact, when it’s done right, onboarding can help new employees to feel welcomed and engaged with companies’ cultures and goals.
Only by understanding what it truly means and why it matters, companies can build a more well-executed onboarding experience.
So, let’s dive into the following article to find out all the important aspects of the onboarding process.
What is Employee Onboarding?
The onboarding process involves a series of structured processes connecting new employees into a company.
It aims to ensure that the newcomers in your organization are ready to perform their function effectively by familiarizing themselves with the company’s work culture, principles, and operation method.
Key Elements of the Onboarding Process
The employee onboarding process is not only about orientation. It covers all the fundamentals to help employees become more engaged in their jobs and teams, and typically a successful onboarding process includes:
- Defining responsibilities and expectation clearly
- Structured orientation
- Relevant training
- Mentorship
- Maintain open communication
- Company culture integration
The Importance of Employee Onboarding
Employee onboarding is both significant for new employees and organizations. The impact may contribute to employee’s satisfaction and organizational performance.
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First Impressions Matter: How Onboarding Affects Employee Experience
The initial interaction a company has with newcomers happened during the onboarding process. If the first impression fails to meet employees’ expectations and disappoints them, they might fall into regret accepting the job.
But, if you did it in a solid and welcoming process, most likely it can leave them with a convincing and exciting impression.
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The Link Between Onboarding and Employee Retention
A well-organized employee onboarding process helps newcomers understand their responsibilities well.
It will make them feel supported and more likely decrease the chance of turnover. Open up a greater opportunity to grow a more loyal employee.
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How Onboarding Improves Productivity and Engagement
Onboarding that provides a set of tools and clarity during the early training can improve employees’ productivity and help them become more effective with their tasks right away.
It may increase a sense of purpose that drives a stronger engagement.
Steps in the Employee Onboarding Process
Employee onboarding involves four principle processes, from pre-boarding to mentorship. All of them present a solid foundation that ensures employees’ seamless integration with comprehensive onboarding experience.
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Pre-boarding
Pre-boarding occurs before employees begin their jobs, generally five days before the official date. It starts with sending a welcoming email, completing necessary documentation, and setting-up equipment and workspace.
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Welcome & Introduction
The first day of work also marks the introduction phase, which includes a welcoming experience, like giving an office tour, introducing teams, and sometimes might involve initial training.
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Training & Development
In this phase, employees will undergo comprehensive training, including specific skill development that is tailored to their role within the company.
The training process frequently lasts for several weeks to two months, but may differ across companies and even countries.
For example, in Indonesia, the job training can be as short as two weeks or even extend into three months.
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Mentorship & Integration
Mentorship and integration cover continuous support during employees’ initial weeks or months.
The process consists of providing feedback and sharing a performance review to make sure that employees can integrate and contribute fully to the organization.
Common Mistakes in Employee Onboarding
One of the many reasons employee turnover occurred is due to a poor onboarding process. Sometimes, it also happens because of certain common mistakes.
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Lack of Structured Onboarding Programs
Many employers do not set a clear schedule and plan during the onboarding programs, causing the new hires to feel lost and may question the organization’s professionalism.
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Overwhelming New Employees with Information
In other cases, employers often set an onboarding process with a long session of orientation, but only provide unessential information. It absolutely causes them to feel overwhelmed and disengaged.
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Neglecting Ongoing Support After Initial Onboarding
Some employers, at times, do not put much attention to the last phase of the employee onboarding process—mentorship. They neglect the opportunity to check in and give support, causing the new employees to feel isolated and might end up leaving early.
Benefits of a Strong Onboarding Process
Avoiding the above common mistakes is strongly advised to mitigate undesirable outputs. In order to do that, you need to employ a strong onboarding process that will benefit your organization more with improved performance to high retention.
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Enhanced Employee Retention and Reduced Turnover
A well-organized onboarding experience creates a positive impression on the employee right from day one. With such a positive feeling, they are more likely to stay loyal to the organization and thus reduce the rate of turnover.
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Improved Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction
A strong onboarding process helps employees have a deeper connection that also contributes to a sense of enthusiasm while doing their function.
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Streamlined Integration into Company Culture and Values
The onboarding process with well-structured planning lets employees learn the dynamic of the company’s culture and values, making it easier for the integration process.
How to Improve Your Employee Onboarding Process
If you think that your organization still uses the onboarding process as a formality, then this is the right time to transform into a more engaging process by following the practical tips below.
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Personalizing the Onboarding Experience
Personalize the process with interactive sessions, rather than one-way sessions bombarding employees with unessential information.
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Using Technology for Efficient Onboarding
Using technology, like onboarding portals, is the smart way to leverage the onboarding process more efficiently, allowing both employees and employers to track and complete the process automatically.
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Continuously Evaluating and Refining the Onboarding Process
Use surveys or ask for feedback from employees to find out what worked and did not from the process. Also, use the feedback to regularly improve and refine the process to be more relevant.
Abhitech’s Employee of Record Services for Efficient Workforce Management
Workforce management process can serve as an intense challenge, especially to foreign companies who plan to establish a new presence in Indonesia. Leverage the process with a comprehensive solution from Abhitech’s Employer of Record service.
Our workforce management ensures smooth integration of new hires, allowing you to stay on track with your core business.
Ready to transform your employee onboarding process more efficiently? Chat with our team and get a free consultation! We also have inspirational contents and tips for you, visit our blog to see the full insights!
