onboarding

In the current context, setting up an onboarding program is important for the integration of new recruits. This helps to preserve the performance and productivity of employees. Even more, if you hire new employees to overcome the difficulties related to the current crisis. Note that the integration period is essential for the smooth running of your collaboration. It also helps a newcomer to become familiar with your company.

In recent years, onboarding has become a particularly sensitive topic. In fact, many companies have faced lockdown in the midst of a hiring period or trial period. Therefore it is essential that the onboarding process be flexible in order to adapt to interruptions and changes in the way we work. However, this must be done while generating a positive ROI.

In this article, we will try to answer the most common questions that revolve around onboarding.

1. What is onboarding?

Onboarding is an English term that literally means “boarding”.

This notion refers to any onboarding process put in place by organizations to ensure that new recruits “board” correctly in the structure.

Often referred to as “organizational socialization” by experts on the subject matter, onboarding refers to all processes that enable people to integrate into an organization.

Generally, the onboarding process is divided into 4 stages called the 4Cs.  Obviously, they include:

  • Compliance
  • Clarification
  • Culture
  • Connection

Each stage refers to a moment in the integration of the newcomer. It also refers to the degree to which the integration of new employees has deepened.

In the Compliance phase

The aim is to make sure that all the legal elements relating to recruitment are complied with: the signed employment contract, the general rules explained, and the internal policy of the company well understood…

In the Clarification phase

As the name suggests, this is the stage where aspects that might still be unclear after recruitment are clarified. For example, the exact missions of the position or the expectations related to these missions.

In the “Culture” phase

Its mission is to explain the cultural norms to the new employee. (formal or informal norms). This stage helps to understand how the company as a whole works (language norms, relationship between individuals, habits…)

In the “Connection” phase

It aims to build connection between the new employee and the others. For example, getting to know each other on a personal level.

2. Why should you be interested in onboarding?

Whether positive or negative, the impact of onboarding is felt throughout the experience of a new recruit within the company. Actually, from the signing the employment contract to planning the new recruit’s first day, it is important to take time to think about a complete integration program.

HR onboarding builds loyalty

It should be noted that the lack of investment in welcoming new employees represents a real reason for resignation. Without sufficient support during the onboarding process, newcomers do not feel comfortable taking on the new job. According to the latest statistics, more than 20% of new recruits leave their new employer in the first 45 days, the first few weeks on the job. Therefore, it is essential to implement an onboarding process to show your interest in the personal development of your recruits.

Onboarding helps save your recruits from boring tasks

Using a solid onboarding process helps to quickly complete administrative tasks inherent in hiring.  It should be noted that taking up a new position is generally accompanied by a quite long and cumbersome administrative recruitment process. Therefore, an onboarding program helps to avoid boring tasks such as signing the employment contract and its eventual annexes.

You should bear in mind that the paperwork of the first days may reduce the enthusiasm of the recruit, hence the importance of setting up an effective integration process.

Onboarding improves productivity

Implementing an onboarding process helps new recruits become more productive as quickly as possible. This integration phase is an opportunity to offer as much information as possible without requiring too much to be done in this workspace. Therefore, new recruits acquire the necessary skills and become familiar with their new work tools in a smooth manner.

HR onboarding builds confidence and sense of community

It should be noted that onboarding is a pivotal phase of cohesion between your employees and newcomers. It is also a decisive moment when personal and professional relationships are forged allowing a productive and fulfilling collaboration. One thing you should avoid is making your new recruits feel isolated.

HR onboarding strengthens corporate culture

You should know that it is during this integration period that you must promote corporate culture. When well assimilated, the latter will have positive repercussions on the whole company.

In addition, individuals become more sensitive to the values of the company than to titles and remuneration. For example, if from the beginning, you train your employees with a collaborative approach, future challenges will be easier to take up.

3. How to make your onboarding process successful?

The success of your onboarding program depends above all on the adoption of a structured strategic approach in which company managers play an important role in improving the employees’ productivity, commitment and involvement.

Starting onboarding upstream

Onboarding starts before the first day of work. In fact, you are able to start the integration of the new employee as soon as the promise of hiring is made. This allows to honor your commitment as an employer and make him familiar with corporate culture. For example, upon his arrival, you can provide the new employee with a welcome booklet from day one to ensure a successful integration and to familiarize him with his new work environment.

Customizing the experience

It should be noted that there are as many onboarding processes as employees. Each program must correspond both in form and content to the specific needs of a new comer and his skills upon joining the company. Therefore, it is important to implement a customized onboarding program to create an impactful employee experience. This also helps to retain him and motivate him from the first week.

Providing access to training portals to be quickly operational

You have to make sure that training portals are accessible. It is essential to transfer knowledge rapidly to your new members of the company. They should also have access to training portals whenever they need them.

Promoting sponsorship and mentoring

The onboarding is a program during which new employees create links. A sponsor or even a mentor can give them advice, explain work instructions and help them to get to know the company.

Promoting integration and assimilation

Most companies place great importance on employees but neglect the teams that receive them. It is important to prepare your team members for the arrival of a new employee by explaining who they are, their duties, benefits…