The importance of effective onboarding and induction

image of man smiling and shaking hands with man in foreground.

With our new CEO joining us this week, it seems timely to highlight the importance of effective onboarding within an organisation.

So why is onboarding and a well thought out induction so important?

  • Engagement and retention. We all make judgements quickly and once we’ve formed a judgement, it can be more difficult to change. So those first impressions really do count. When new staff feel welcomed and supported, they are more likely to stay.
  • If staff can have a clear understanding of your purpose and their role within the organisation, they can contribute more effectively from day one.
  • Onboarding can help new staff acclimatise to the organisation’s values, culture and team dynamics early on, leading to better collaboration. It also helps for them to know what’s expected of them.
  • Job satisfaction. Joining an organisation with a good onboarding process can make new staff feel connected and excited about their new role.

What does a good onboarding process look like?

  • Pre-employment induction. Once you’ve appointed your new member of staff, you can keep in touch with welcome emails, a welcome video to share from colleagues, information about what to expect on their first day as well as any other contractual information.
  • First day. Consider inviting them to arrive a bit later to allow for your team to be settled in and ensure their key contact is ready to welcome them.
  • Structured orientation. You should give your staff a good overview of the organisation including who’s who and how their role fits into the organisation. Also include a tour of the building/office layout and an opportunity to meet the team. Knowledge of company policies and procedures and how to find them and an introduction to IT is also important. Allow time with a member of the team to ensure they are set up with the tools they need.
  • Take time to ensure new staff understand their responsibilities, any performance metrics and how their role fits within the organisation’s success.
  • Some staff may need additional training to meet the needs of their role or it could be that staff need varied programmes to accommodate their learning styles. Ensure that the induction and onboarding process covers individual needs and disabilities.
  • Ensure new staff feel part of the team early on. Invite them to team activities, social events and WhatsApp groups/team communication channels.
  • Schedule in regular check-ins with line managers and mentors to capture any concerns or feedback early on.

Onboarding isn’t just a tick box exercise, it’s a really important opportunity to create a positive experience for long-term success!

If you would like support with your onboarding process, our HR consultants, Kate and Nicola, can help.

Send us an email to hr@cbrsolutions.org.uk