Now that your company has hired people, onboarding new employees effectively is the next task. Properly onboarding new employees is crucial to setting them up for success and helping them quickly thrive and contribute to the success of your organization.

This article discusses three useful tips to help you with the onboarding process for new employees. The real work of integrating new team members into your company culture and system begins with onboarding.

Minnesota Chamber’s business services offer a benchmarking program through salary.com that gives you access to the largest, most comprehensive dataset to design competitive pay and benefits for your business.

Onboarding New Employees Tip 1: Pre-Boarding

Once you have found your perfect new hire, it is time to get them on board. The pre-boarding process is key to setting them up for success from day one.

Provide the Inside Scoop

Before their first day, send them details about the team, company culture, dress code, parking details, and what to expect from the role. Provide them with an onboarding schedule and any HR paperwork they need to fill out. Ask a mentor on the team to reach out and offer guidance to them.

Prepare Work Set-Up

Having the right equipment ready shows you value their time. Make sure their workspace is set up with a computer, software access, an ID badge, and any job-specific tools. Providing resources in advance allows them to dive right in.

Inform Them of the Basics

Start sharing knowledge about projects, clients, and key responsibilities via email. The more context they have, the faster they will get up to the role. When onboarding new employees, send over helpful resources and documentation they can review.

Welcome Them Virtually

First impressions matter, so make them feel welcome on their first day. Send a welcome email introducing them to the team and company. Have their desk ready with a welcome packet of information, company swag, and a handwritten note. Assign a "work buddy" to give them a tour, introduce them to coworkers, and take them out for coffee or lunch.

Onboarding New Employees Tip 2: Tour and Introductions

Once the paperwork is ready, it is time for your new hire's first day! Giving them an enthusiastic welcome and an office tour is a wonderful way to start. Walk them around, introduce them to colleagues, and show them the break room, bathrooms, parking, and anything else they will need to navigate.

Explain your company's values, priorities, and procedures so they understand your culture. Go over the details in your employee handbook, safety guidelines, and compliance policies. Be open to questions and provide clarification. The more they comprehend about their role and the company from day one, the more productive they will be.

Next, set clear goals and initial assignments based on their role. Explain expectations and priorities to ensure alignment with the company’s standard. Start with an easy first task so they gain confidence, then build up responsibilities over the first week as they get comfortable.

Check in frequently, especially on the first day. See if they have any questions or concerns. Getting feedback helps you gain insight into the onboarding experience of new employees and make improvements for the next hire.

An engaging onboarding new employees process is key to preparing your new hires ready for their jobs. With a thoughtful introduction to the role, company, and team, you will have them contributing quickly to the organization’s goal. And by investing in them from day one, you build the foundation for a long and successful working relationship.

Onboarding New Employees Tip 3: Assist Their First 90 Days

The first 90 days of an employee’s tenure are critical aspect. Help your new hires become ready and productive as quickly as possible.

Provide Job-Specific Training

In their first week, give new employees training tailored to their role. Explain job duties, priorities, and goals. Review tools, resources, and procedures specific to their position. Answer any questions they have, particularly what to expect from them.

Help Build Connections

Introduce new hires to colleagues they will work with regularly. Encourage team lunches or coffee breaks together. Provide a mentor or buddy to guide them. Making personal connections with coworkers helps new employees feel welcome and supported.

Check Progress and Adjust

Meet with new hires after 30 and 60 days to see how they are doing. Ask what's going well and what challenges they face. Adjust the onboarding new employees plan if needed. Provide additional coaching or development opportunities to set them up for success.

Celebrating small and big milestones makes new employees feel valued and motivated. Congratulate them on completing their first solo task or finishing initial training. Recognize them at team meetings or with a quick email. Let them know their contributions are meaningful.

Following up with new hires regularly at the end of their first week.  Gives them a chance to ask clarifying questions and address any concerns. Doing this also offers managers insights into how well onboarding new employees progresses and whether any changes need to be made.

Conclusion

Onboarding new employees is an investment that pays off huge dividends through increased productivity, higher job satisfaction, and lower turnover. Sticking to the onboarding plan and making them feel like part of the team from day one helps your new hires thrive in their jobs. The onboarding of new employees may be over, but their journey with your company is just beginning!