Onboarding staff is a crucial part of the recruitment process. Not only does it set the tone for an employee’s tenure at the business, it also plays a critical role in ensuring the success of that employee long term.
A recent study showed up to 20 percent of employee turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment. Sixty-nine percent of employees say they’re more likely to stay with a business for at least three years if they’ve had a positive onboarding experience.
High job satisfaction is not the only big benefit of implementing an effective onboarding strategy. Research by Glassdoor shows that businesses with a strong process can improve productivity levels by over 70 percent.
With this in mind, how does your onboarding process stack up? Is there room for improvement?
Here are our biggest do's and don’ts when it comes to onboarding new staff.
DO: Plan ahead
Develop an onboarding checklist well before the new starter’s first day.
At minimum, the checklist should cover the new employee’s schedule, tasks, and essential introductions to other team members.
DON’T: Overwhelm with information
You want to strike the right balance of giving the new employee enough information to make their first day a success but not so much so that they’re overwhelmed.
Consider breaking the checklist up into a “first day”, “first week” and “first fortnight” structure with clear timelines so that they understand the expectations you have for them.
DO: Give a warm welcome
Be sure the new starter has someone to greet them when they arrive.
Ensure they have everything they need to start off on the right foot, such as system logins, swipe cards, access to facilities, etc.
Bonus point: invite them to any team gatherings that are put on outside normal work hours so they can get to know their coworkers.
DON'T: Neglect or rush through the process
You want to give a new employee ample time to settle in and make them feel comfortable to ask questions, particularly during their first week.
Neglecting to check in with them is a red flag and will leave a bad first impression.
DO: Have a paperless onboarding process
A paperless onboarding process gives new hires a great first impression and saves administration time for the manager.
Deputy’s paperless onboarding system makes it easy for staff to submit their details electronically prior to their first day, allowing them to hit the ground running.
Managers are able to track all of the hire’s certifications or documents in one place - and check the status of submissions in real-time.
DON'T: Use an outdated, manual onboarding process
Manual processes often involve paperwork, physical documentation and repetitive administrative tasks.
Manual data entry can also increase the likelihood of errors and lead to inaccurate or incomplete employee information being imported.
DO: Consider a buddy system and/or mentor
Having someone who your new starter can confide in and look to for guidance will help ensure they feel welcome and safe at work.
Pair them with someone experienced who will take the time to help them navigate their new responsibilities and offer a friendly face to turn to.
Ideally, the buddy will be someone who’s not their direct report/manager.
DON'T: Isolate them
A negative workplace, combined with minimal teamwork, makes many employees feel isolated and, therefore, more likely to leave a business.
Where possible, avoid scheduling staff to work solo, particularly in their first few weeks on the job.
DO: Regular check-ins
A regular check-in gives you and the new employee a chance to address any concerns, provide feedback and assess their progress. It also gives you a chance to recognise and celebrate their accomplishments and milestones.
Ensure they remain aware of any changing policies, team developments and training opportunities.
DON'T: Assume onboarding ends after the first day
Onboarding is a continuous process that doesn’t end after the first few days. Continue to support and mentor the new staff member as they settle into their role.
Be receptive to questions and concerns and address any issues promptly and supportive.
Final thoughts
A strong onboarding process is essential for a successful workplace. By having a solid process in place to welcome new hires you can boost staff engagement from the beginning and enjoy better retention and performance long-term.
Deputy’s software helps ensure onboarding ticks all the boxes. Through the Deputy app, you can capture new starter details in a way that removes the need for manual paperwork. Simply collect signed contracts, bank details and any other documents you need from your new hire electronically to ensure they’re ready for a fantastic first day.
To learn more about Deputy’s onboarding software, chat with a member of the team today.
