Team member onboarding sets the tone for the human experience in a company. It is when new people are most impressionable and motivated to learn about their new role and the organization. A well-designed onboarding program helps people feel welcomed, engaged, and equipped to perform their job duties effectively.
Let’s discuss the five keys to an enriching onboarding program:
- Clear Expectations
The first piece of an onboarding program is setting clear expectations for the new team member. This includes the company’s vision, mission, values, and culture. By communicating these expectations, new hires can better understand their role and how they can contribute to the organization’s success. In addition, setting clear expectations helps new employees to understand the company’s policies, procedures, and goals.
- Structured Training
The second piece provides structured training that helps new team members acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to create the outcomes for their respective roles. This can include technical training, soft skills training, and job shadowing with experienced team members. Structured training provides a foundation for new people to build upon as they continue to learn and grow in their roles.
- Support and Resources
The third piece is providing new team members with the necessary support and resources to help them succeed. New people may face various challenges adjusting to their new roles and environment. By providing access to mentors, coaches, or other support, as well as the tools and resources they need to perform their job duties, people will feel supported and confident in their ability to perform their roles.
- Regular Feedback and Check-Ins
The fourth piece is regular feedback and check-ins. Onboarding is not a one-time event, and it’s important to provide ongoing feedback and check-ins with new people to monitor their progress, answer their questions, and address any issues. This helps people feel supported and motivated as they integrate into the team.
- Continuous Improvement
The final piece is continuous improvement. The onboarding program should be reviewed and evaluated regularly to identify areas for improvement.