7 Onboarding Best Practices To Turn New Hires Into Loyal Employees

Written by Salary.com Staff
August 25, 2023
7 Onboarding Best Practices To Turn New Hires Into Loyal Employees

Once there is a new hire on board, the next step is to transform them into loyal employees.  As HR, itis important to make sure new hires hold onto their first-day excitement. The goal is to help them feel motivated and prepared to excel in their new roles.

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The first few days of a new job are crucial. New hires will lose optimism when overwhelmed with paperwork and procedures. Give them the information they need so they will feel part of the team. Onboarding best practices will help them be successful and stay with the company for a long time.

This article will discuss seven onboarding best practices to perk up employee experience.

Build Excitement

Start onboarding before the first day. Send a welcome email with key details about the role, team, and company mission. Build excitement and give new hires confidence on day one to improve overall employee experience.

Share important paperwork to complete, dress code, and anything else to expect. This helps avoid surprises and gives them time to prepare.

Introduce A Welcoming Workplace

Have everything ready on their first day: their workstation, computer login, security badge, welcome packet, introductions to coworkers, and more. Make them feel equipped to dive right in.

Take time to personally welcome them. Onboarding best practices give a clear explanation of company culture, values, and mission.

Set Clear Expectations 

Explain job responsibilities, priorities, and goals. Lay out the performance metrics and the path to success. Help new hires understand what is expected of them and how to achieve it as part of their anticipated employee experience.

Give them space to ask questions. The quicker they get up to speed, the faster they will become engaged and productive.

Pair New Hires With Mentors

Mentorship gives new hires a sense of connection and community. Have the friend give a tour, introduce coworkers, and be willing to show them the ropes. The mentor  can help them navigate challenges and provide guidance. Onboarding best practices puts importance in interpersonal rapport.

Get The Whole Team Involved 

Strong workplace relationships lead to higher job satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. Set up introductory meetings, lunches, and events for people across departments to connect. Make the new employee feel part of the work family right away.

Check-in Regularly

Conduct frequent one-on-ones to get feedback and see how new hires are adjusting. Determine if additional support or training is needed. Onboarding best practices emphasize open conversations. This helps new employees understand the company culture and fit in quickly.

Revisit Your Onboarding Process Often 

Revamp your process regularly based on input from new and existing employees. Do not skimp on onboarding best practices. Extensive, ongoing onboarding, especially for the first 6-12 months, pays off. New employees who feel prepared and part of the team are more likely to thrive in their roles.

Importance of A Strong Onboarding Program 

HR's focused implementation of onboarding ensures a motivated, skilled, and cohesive workforce.

Onboarding best practices facilitate a smooth transition for new hires, helping them understand the company’s values and operations. Early familiarity lays the groundwork for improved satisfaction.

Implement onboarding best practices well to instill confidence in new employees  and contribute to a more harmonious workplace.

Improved Employee Experience Through Onboarding Best Practices

Implementing these seven onboarding best practices is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. A solid onboarding strategy boosts new hire satisfaction and retention. It paves the way for easy development of their skills and competencies. Proper onboarding transforms new employees into engaged, long-term team members.

Expect increased productivity and a stellar company culture through these onboarding best practices. Focus on the employee experience from day one, set clear expectations, and provide meaningful work. Check in regularly and give frequent feedback. Help new team members build connections and mentor them. Celebrate small wins along the way.

Onboarding best practices leads to a win-win situation for employers and employees alike. New recruits will feel welcomed, valued, and invested in the organization's success. Benefit  from higher performance, lower turnover, and a vibrant workforce.  Follow these onboarding best practices and transform employee experience.

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