Onboarding program trends
In the workplace, the following onboarding program patterns are popular:
Modern introduction
You can use the time that passes before a new employee’s first day of work to assist them in settling into their position. You can start sending them essential documents or helpful resources via email as soon as they accept the job offer. You can save a lot of time on their first day of work by having them fill out the necessary papers in advance. Additionally, you can take advantage of this opportunity to update them on business news and pique their interest in beginning their new position.
Personalized onboarding
Some managers are aware that not every person will experience successful onboarding in the same way. Because of this, it’s become fashionable to tailor an onboarding program to the requirements of each new employee. Since you only give the employee the tools and training required for their role and experience, customized onboarding can also save you a ton of time. Consider including the following in your tailored onboarding program:
- Requesting the prospective hire to complete a personality assessment
- Making a tutor match for them
- Periodically checking in to see if you’re still meeting their requirements
- Allowing them to utilize the tool of their choice
- Meeting with them one-on-one to talk about their aspirations and plans for their careers
Social integration
Using social media, new workers can discover a lot about the business. Utilizing social media tools is a successful onboarding trend because it allows new employees to research their new employer on their preferred social media networks. Consider developing an invitation-only website where you can communicate pertinent information with new hires in addition to maintaining a strong public social media presence. For instance, sharing images from company events, exciting company news, and employee achievements can assist in giving new employees a sense of the culture of the business.
Corporate culture orientation
You can introduce new hires to the company’s mindset in addition to instructing them on the company’s policies and procedures. Making the new hire feel welcome and included from the start will help them integrate much more quickly. Try to educate them on topics that might not be covered in the employee manual. For instance, they might find it helpful to know about inside jokes, nicknames, and business jargon right away.
Onboarding-specific skills
Instead of holding a general training exercise, you can decide to first concentrate on teaching the new hires the more specialized skills needed for their position. One job at a time instruction helps students better understand concepts and put them into practice right away. Think about beginning with a simple job and gradually adding to it. For example, showing them how to use a particular program or piece of software can prepare them for later acquiring more complex skills.
Induction based on data
Utilizing a data-based strategy is another new trend in training. With this strategy, managers gather data to help them decide how to improve the hiring procedure. You can learn more about how current employees feel about the onboarding program, for example, by sending surveys to both new and current workers. You can significantly alter the procedure by making changes after receiving input from the people the program impacts.
12 onboarding program examples
Here are some examples of effective onboarding programs:
1. Instant goal setting
While some companies may wait until after new hires complete their training to help employees set goals, you can take a more proactive approach and require new employees to set goals on their very first day. This way, you can help them start making a meaningful impact on the company right away. By setting goals early on, you indicate that goal setting serves as a central part of the company culture and workplace environment.
2. Welcome kit
If you wish to impress new employees, consider giving them a welcome kit. This little gift can include things like a welcome letter, personalized business cards, office trivia, informative guides, and anything else that can help a new employee feel welcome. Even providing them with a coffee mug or branded company T-shirt can offer a nice way to welcome them to the team and show your recognition.
3. Company-wide announcement
When a new employee starts, let the entire company know. This way, higher-up employees and those who work in different departments have an awareness of the new team member. Although sending a company-wide email can offer a great way to do this, you may also share it in the company’s messaging system. This way, people can react to the news in real time by sending friendly messages or welcome GIFs.
4. Interactive courses
Creating automated, interactive courses can speed up the onboarding process and help keep new employees engaged. Rather than having them read through numerous employee handbooks and papers, you can create an interactive module for them to complete. Try to incorporate videos, quizzes, stories, and audio throughout the course to make it more immersive.
5. Decorated office space
Make an employee’s first day of work special by decorating their work area. For example, you may purchase a few balloons, streamers, and other party supplies to decorate your cubicle or desk. This is a great way to display your excitement about having them on the team. It can also remind the existing team members that a new person is starting.
6. Icebreaker sessions
When you have multiple employees starting around the same time, consider having an icebreaker session where you can help them get to know each other. During this meeting, have them do some fun activities and answer icebreaker questions. For instance, one fun game is called two truths and a lie. This is where you have each person share two facts about themselves and one fib. Then, everyone goes around guessing which statements are true. This is a fun way for everyone to learn about one another.
7. Free samples
If the company produces some kind of product, consider giving the new hires some free samples. This can offer a great way to introduce them to the product while making them feel welcome. For instance, if you manage a restaurant, you could offer the new employees a free meal from the menu throughout their onboarding program.
8. Buddy system
You can help new team members feel more comfortable right away by assigning them to a buddy. Choose an employee who the new person may work with regularly and ask this employee to guide the new person through their onboarding program. Along with helping the new person feel supported, this can also improve the team-building process and help establish coworker relationships.
9. Greetings brunch
With a welcome brunch, new hires can get their day off to a good start. You could even ask them in advance using a short poll what their preferred breakfast options are. This provides an enjoyable method to bring the team together. While existing employees may enjoy the opportunity to bond over waffles and eggs, new hires may value the hospitality.
10. Seminars for new hires
Consider having a new team member attend an onboarding seminar if you have a lot of knowledge to impart all at once. Give a presentation on topics like employee policies, business culture, HR procedures, and general useful information during this session.Send the participants the slides or other supporting materials you used after the meeting so they can use them as needed.
11. Happy hour
The at-work happy hour has been well received in some sectors, like marketing and advertising. In reality, some workplaces even have a designated bar area that employees can use occasionally. Take into account throwing a happy hour for a new hire. This makes it easier for them to socialise with everyone in the workplace and creates a more welcoming environment.
12. Coffee talks
Having new team members gather for private coffee conversations is another way to acquaint them with everyone. During the first few weeks of employment, schedule 30- to 1-hour meetings with everyone for the new employee. They can talk about their responsibilities and receive guidance during this time. Smaller businesses can benefit greatly from this onboarding approach because everyone can meet with the new hire one-on-one. Encourage the higher management and CEO to meet with the new team member as well. Meeting with those in leadership roles may be very meaningful and demonstrates a warm and caring corporate atmosphere.