Integrating new staff that fits the ethic and culture of a company can be daunting. On the other end, the process can also be easy, depending on your preparation, strategy, and tools. The laid down rules should work for both the employer’s and new staff’s sides. Sometimes, it’s easy to think that the job is done as soon as you get the right fit for a position. However, a good onboarding plan ensures that the hiring process is altogether successful. From the time a new staff member comes in, they should already have an idea of what’s expected of them, at the very least.

Discussed below are five tips to help you with onboarding new staff:

Have A Proper Onboarding Program

A proper onboarding program can be a game changer when it comes to employing and retaining new staff. Simply put, before you commence the onboarding process, you should have an order of events and requirements at each phase. The careful organization of the series of steps makes it easy for you to integrate new staff seamlessly.

On the first day, what documents do you give to a new employee? This information should be included in the onboarding program details. You may also assign a timeslot for the Q&A portion where a new hire may ask questions about the job or the company. Through a proper onboarding program, you’ll have a standard method of introducing a new employee to your company and vice versa. This keeps you in line with your real agenda and goals, preventing you from forgetting the important things that you need to discuss with them.

Clarify Expectations, Roles, And Responsibilities

One thing that can ruin a new employee’s moral at work is having to grope in the dark. No one wants to be left guessing what their responsibilities are. All expectations, roles, and responsibilities should be known to a newly hired employee from the first day. It’s the responsibility of the unit manager or immediate superior to take new members of staff through what’s expected of them on a daily, weekly, monthly basis or in the long term. Furthermore, an employer should ensure that an employee understands how their role fits into the overall function of the company.

The primary aim of making new employees fully understand their roles and responsibilities is for them to realize their value and purpose as a member of the group and ensure that they appreciate other members’ contributions as well. The outcome of this involves a stronger connection between team members and the drive to give one’s best at work. 

Make The First Day And Orientation Memorable

When it comes to new staff, first impressions do matter. A welcoming session is an excellent way to make new employees feel that they belong in the group. They’ll know that you prepared for their arrival and you’re glad to have them onboard. Making them feel comfortable since day one will build their confidence in themselves and in their workmates. Keep in mind that being in a new place can make anyone anxious and worried, especially about fitting in and being able to deliver or please everyone. 

Here are a few ways to make an employee’s first day memorable:

• Introduce them to the key people in the company as well as their teammates

• Give them a comprehensive tour in the office

• Share the company’s history, vision, and mission

• Take them out for lunch

• Give them a simple task and explain the team’s workflow

• Give them a welcoming gift

Assign Them A Mentor

While it's necessary to let a new employee learn on their own, having a mentor program keeps new employees from feeling lost. A mentor’s responsibility is to provide answers to the new employee, teach and coach them on their duties, and to evaluate their performance. The first step should be to identify what you want to achieve through the program and select the most suitable mentor for your new employee.

It’s good to ensure that the mentor and the new employee can work together harmoniously. Not every good employee can become a mentor since mentorship requires a lot of patience and a good personality. Match the mentor responsibility with the right employee and it will make the onboarding process much easier for the new employee and the company.

Provide A Suitable Workspace

Always ensure that the workspace for your new staff is ready for use with all the necessary equipment. There should be a working computer, phone, office supplies, and pass keys to company portals. Have a technical staff to guide them, especially in setting up and accessing company accounts. A functional and personalized workspace will help the new staff become productive, as well as feel welcome and valued.

Conclusion

A good onboarding structure is both an essential and powerful tool for staff management. Having a good onboarding program is among the top ways to ensure high employee retention. Ensure to engage with new staff even before they report on the first day. This helps ease their anxiety and prepare them for the new job and work environment. Carry out the series of steps included in your onboarding program and make them feel most welcome. After the first day, there should be scheduled follow-ups to get feedback on how well they’re catching up.