Don’t Underestimate Employee Onboarding

An article from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) outlines the clear importance employee onboarding plays in setting new hires up for long-lasting, meaningful work. The article is written by Julie Schweber, who has nearly 20 years of experience in human resources for private and nonprofit organizations. Schweber’s article serves as a reminder that no matter the labor category, the duration of the assignment, or the specific work required for a job, a hands-on, employee-focused onboarding process is critical.

The Power of Results-Focused Onboarding

Taking time to implement a robust onboarding program and ensuring each new hire undergoes that process is a powerful step in encouraging engaged, long-term employees. Nearly 7 out of 10 employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experience great onboarding, the article notes. Moreover, half of all companies that use a standard onboarding process experience greater productivity from their new hires.

Onboarding vs. Orientation

Schweber notes that some companies may have an orientation process, but this is distinct from an employee-focused onboarding program. 

Orientation might be critical in helping new employees complete required paperwork or explaining workplace policies and procedures, but orientation tasks don’t give employees a true foundation from which to grow as effective onboarding programs do. Schweber says that onboarding is an ongoing process meant to motivate and inspire employees, whereas orientation often deals with tasks that must be completed immediately before an employee can be paid, access the building, or other common tasks. 

Enhance Your Onboarding Process

No matter the industry they serve, every operation can benefit from reviewing and strengthening its existing onboarding policies. Schweber suggests ensuring your onboarding process includes:

1. A tour of the worksite.

A personal tour of the new hire’s office and specific workstation will go a long way to make them feel more included. It’s also a good idea to introduce the new hire to their teammates in person to develop strong bonds between teammates.

2. Fully functioning equipment.

Take the time to set up the new hire’s computer and other equipment before their first day. Not only will this simple action help them feel like a full part of the team, but it will also encourage immediate productivity for the organization.

3. Special welcome gifts.

Even small tokens of appreciation can make a new hire’s onboarding process feel personalized and special. Be sure to leave healthy snacks at their desk as a welcome present, as well as any swag or promotional items your business may have.

4. Regular check-up meetings.

Onboarding extends far past a new hire’s first day. Schedule regular meetings with new hires to ensure their onboarding process is a smooth journey and motivates new employees to invest fully in their team.

Purpose-Driven Onboarding is an Investment in the Future

The most effective onboarding programs can be adapted and personalized to every new hire, making them feel like valuable members of any team. If your company has underestimated onboarding in the past or not revisited your specific policies in a few years, today’s competitive labor market is the perfect impetus to review your approach to onboarding.

By carefully reviewing your onboarding policies and soliciting feedback from new hires who have undergone onboarding, your business can boost employee retention and stand out in a crowded field of potential employers.   

Knowledge Services Prioritizes Onboarding

In all our workforce management solutions, Knowledge Services ensures new hires receive curated, results-focused onboarding. After serving as Managed Service Provider (MSP) for 15 States and more than 120 Local Governments, Educational Institutions, and Special Districts, Knowledge Services has tailored its onboarding process to meet our clients’ needs seamlessly.   

Contact Knowledge Services today to learn more about how our MSP support, staffing initiatives, and other workforce management solutions have benefited clients across the country.