Implementing an Effective Onboarding Process
Implementing an effective Onboarding Policy is your best bet for retaining great team members. With steady change and competition, business owners are facing more and more challenges as they look to hire. Often, the business owner hires the person believed to be the perfect fit; but things change, there’s a better offer and before long, there’s yet another vacancy. In today’s fast-paced and dynamic workforce, new jobs, better opportunities and more intriguing offers are continually on the rise.
With the right resources and proper processes, this struggle can be avoided. Once you hire a new person, it’s critical to get them up to speed and ready to succeed in your business as efficiently as possible. Implementing a comprehensive onboarding process will ensure a smooth transition, establish engagement and help increase client retention.
What is an onboarding process?
Onboarding is the actions or process of integrating new individuals into an organization. Depending on the business, this process can last anywhere from one month to six months. A successful onboarding process provides the new hire with the necessary resources, education and information to be productive from the start. While the hiring process might be a company’s first impression, onboarding is the prime time to get the new hire fully invested in the business.
Onboarding is commonly referred to as training new hires to successfully take on a position. In fact, most refer to the two as one and the same and use both terms interchangeably. The truth is, training is only one aspect of the overall process. In an effective program, the two need to coexist to provide value and focus on the experience for the new hire. Train on the operational process and focus the onboarding experience around how you want the new hire to live out your brand and company culture.
What makes for a successful onboarding process?
Develop a process that shows commitment and passion for your business. Have the business leaders run sessions of the onboarding process to show dedication to the brand and positioning from the top down. Understand what the new hire needs to be successful and demonstrate the importance of their growth within the company. Share stories that give the business character and add excitement to the opportunities ahead.
Why is onboarding important?
For one, hiring new team members can quickly become a tedious, long-lasting and expensive process. With a comprehensive new-hire program, a business will ensure once the right people are hired, they can maintain their high-performing team. Effective onboarding increases retention, satisfaction, productivity and engagement. It will also reduce the time it takes new hires to effectively contribute to the business. As your onboarding process improves, not only will the hiring process benefit, but your entire business will realize the difference.
Take the time to develop and commit to this process. Your business will quickly see the transformation because of it. Many business owners struggle with developing their own comprehensive onboarding process. We suggest working with someone who has helped other business owners through this process. We’re confident we can be that resource for you. Give us a call at 559.924.1225 today!
