Starting a new job can feel like joining season nine of a TV show. Everyone else already knows the characters, the routines and the inside jokes. A thoughtful onboarding process helps new team members settle in faster, feel supported and start contributing with confidence.
There is a meme going around that says something along the lines of “Starting a new job is like being a new character on the ninth season of a TV show”.
We can all relate to this; you show up on your first day, everyone knows each other, you have a lot to offer but you don’t really know where to start… and there are lots of subplots that you need to get your head around.
Settling in at a new company can be stressful, which is why it makes sense to have a strong onboarding process that will help people to feel comfortable sooner.
What is onboarding?
If you haven’t heard the term before, onboarding is a human resources term used to describe the introduction of new staff to the workplace. While figuring out what they need to take responsibility for is an important part of onboarding, helping new employees to integrate into workplace culture is equally as important.
Why does onboarding matter?
New team members need to get up to speed quickly, but they are also joining an unfamiliar environment. A good onboarding process helps them feel comfortable, supported and part of the team sooner.
These days, onboarding is more important than ever, particularly because many people are working remotely and may never have the opportunity to meet their colleagues in person. They need to know who to reach out to and they need to feel included, no matter where they are based.
Tips for onboarding
Having a clear process for onboarding makes sense. Here are some steps to improve the experience for everyone:
1. Have everything ready
Make sure the laptop, email address and logins are ready before day one. It helps your new starter feel expected and able to hit the ground running.
2. Assign a ‘buddy’
It doesn’t have to be official but putting a new person in touch with a specific individual they can reach out to with questions will help them to integrate and feel supported.
3. Have a new employee instruction pack or online hub
A searchable hub or set of guides can help new starters find answers quickly. Short videos are also useful for explaining common tasks and saving staff time.
4. Schedule a new employee review
A month or six weeks after they arrive, you may wish to send out a survey asking your new team member how their onboarding experience could have been improved.
5. Create a welcome pack with branded apparel and other items
Company clothing or other branded items will help new team members feel that they are working for a company that cares and values them.
Here are a few gifts to help onboard new team members:
- Backpack or laptop bag
- Branded chargers
- Hats
- Personalised water bottle
- Notebook and pen
- Mousepad
- Key chain or swipe card lanyard
- T-shirts or hoodies
A well thought out onboarding policy that includes a new starter welcome pack will make your new team member feel at home so they can be more productive sooner.
Contact Honeycomb for branded onboarding ideas or check out our online Onboarding Pack Shop.
FAQs
What is the purpose of an onboarding process?
The purpose of an onboarding process is to help new employees understand their role, settle into the business and feel part of the team as quickly as possible.
How long should onboarding last?
Onboarding should start before day one and continue through the first few weeks. That support helps new employees settle in faster.
What should be included in an onboarding welcome pack?
An onboarding welcome pack can include useful branded items that help new employees feel prepared and welcome from day one.
Why is onboarding important for remote employees?
Remote employees can miss everyday team cues. A clear onboarding process helps them feel included and supported.
How can businesses improve their onboarding process?
Businesses can improve onboarding by preparing ahead, assigning a buddy, sharing key information and checking in early.