Despite whatever trends and technologies might be appearing on the horizon, successful organizations rely on their employees for survival. Positive and long-lasting results are thus of critical importance whenever an employee onboarding exercise is undertaken. In this post, we’ll highlight essential and effective factors and approaches to consider when striving for optimal results.

1. Make it a Gradual and Logical Process

Rather than blasting people with a barrage of information that they won’t be able to understand and internalize, make the employee onboarding process longer and more deliberate. This will serve to make it less overwhelming for new hires. People tend to learn faster and retain information better over time. Building up knowledge gradually leads to greater proficiency and, consequently, greater retention.

2. Set Clearly Defined and Reasonable Expectations

Uncertainty in a professional setting causes anxiety, demoralization, and poor performance. Boost the levels of engagement and job satisfaction among new employees by ensuring they have a clear grasp of their responsibilities, timeframes, deadlines, and any other relevant performance metrics.

3. Communicate Clearly and Encourage Discourse

Elucidate very explicitly what you need from each employee. A graphic designer hire, for example, should be clearly informed of the importance of quality design to the company’s bottom line and future growth prospects.

4. Make Newcomers Feel Welcome

Although insider jargons, obscure acronyms, and unique elements of company culture might be useful tools in helping build strong internal cohesion in a company, they may unfortunately make newcomers feel out of place and unwelcome. Foster a welcoming environment by filling them in on any knowledge they might need to fit in smoothly around the office.

5. Build Trust Among Colleagues

Foster sentiments of attachment and belonging among existing and new employees by including other team members in the onboarding process. Everyone involved will benefit from the exercise. Give new colleagues adequate time and opportunity to get to know one another.

6. Inspire Confidence in Their Future Role Within the Organization

Incorporate progress cues, clear performance indicators, constructive feedback, and direct contact with higher-ups to reinforce their sense of importance and value to the company. Such measures instill pride and confidence in new hires who are typically unsure and anxious about their new positions.

Final Thoughts

Much like with students, you will realize the greatest potential of new employees by paying close attention to their growth and development in their earliest days, months, and years. Be sure to foster an environment where your employees feel safe and encourage to grow and learn. Best of luck to you, your company, and your new hires!