You're onboarding new hires. What are the best employee engagement tools to use?

Might be a bit old school (not an onboarding platform) but I think the book The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins is a great guide to any new job (new hire or promotion to a new role). I was once given this book by a hiring manager and I have subsequently given it to new hires ever since because it was such great value.

Rather than using a single Onboarding Tool/Platform which captures the everchanging intiatives being taken up during the Onboarding process, I prefer using mulitiple tools to cater to various initiatives. Following are some of the examples of tools that can be used for respective intiatives: Welcome Kits and Swag: Canva, Vistaprint, etc. Mentorship Programs: Mentorloop Employee Engagement Surveys: SurveyMonkey, Culture Amp, etc. Virtual Team-building Activities: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Donut, Icebreaker, etc. Learning and Development Platforms: LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, respective LMS, etc. Recognition and Rewards Platforms: Bonusly, Kazoo, respective HRIS, etc. The goal is to ensure flexibility as to change with the times as needed.

In my experience assigning a senior person in the role as a buddy works well as it provides a safe space for questions and it can also help the buddy to mentor others. Also a team group chat creates a culture of everyone helping the each other and not just the new people. Nobody can know everything so we're all stronger as a team if we work together.

In my Experience having an onboarding platform with all the details about the organisation policies and general procedures is essential to get the staff intergrated as soon as possible.Its also important to assign a trainer that will guide the staff through the systems procedures and processes as well as answer any questions that may arise during the training process.Finally its improtant for HR department to arrange a 3 month and 6 month review where necessary to see how the staff is doing and if they are facing any challenges.

The worst onboarding experience is when you as the hiring company do not have a schedule for the new employee. Make sure that the first week is fully laid out with meet and greet sessions. Induction, training and familiarisation sessions with company are a must too. However it is also important that all the tools to do the job are available from the moment the new employee arrives. If they are to have a laptop, phone etc these should be ready to go. Logons and access codes should be ready and created. Oh and don't forget to take the new employee for lunch on day one it really helps to get their feedback.

Dentro de mi metodología, he implementado un proceso de obtención de retroalimentación durante los primeros 30 días del colaborador en su puesto operativo. Semana tras semana, solicito al nuevo colaborador que complete una encuesta a través de SurveyMonkey para evaluar su experiencia y proporcionar insights sobre cómo podemos ayudarlo y mejorar nuestro proceso de integración. Con esta retroalimentación podemos identificar áreas de mejora y hacer ajustes necesarios para garantizar una transición suave y exitosa para el nuevo empleado. En última instancia, este enfoque nos ayuda a fortalecer la relación con nuestros empleados desde el principio, lo que contribuye a una mayor satisfacción, compromiso y retención a largo plazo. #SurveyMonkey

According to my experience, an individual approach is very important. However, a structured HR orientation is very handy. People understand more about the pillars of the internal processes. The best scenario is to have a group of new people attending this orientation - it creates a safe forum where they can ask questions; they develop "informal buddies" from different teams, which helps with their ongoing onboarding and engagement with the team and encourages knowledge sharing.

EngageWith Pulse Surveys is one of the features to get new employee feedback. It is designed while aiming to build a feedback culture and solve the issues that you usually encounter while relying on traditional methods. Pulse Surveys is a feedback tool that works in three steps: Send A Pulse: You can send a pulse to all your employees or specific members with questions to answer. Collect Feedback: It collects all the answers and compiles them to show the results on a dashboard. Better Decisions: A decision is taken based on all the data collected so that everyone’s opinion is considered while making the decision and to come up with the best solution collectively.

Incorporating a feedback tool into your employee engagement strategy is crucial. Platforms like 15Five, Officevibe, or TinyPulse facilitate continuous feedback loops, enabling real-time communication between employees and management. These tools empower employees to share insights, concerns, and recognition, fostering a culture of open communication. By providing a channel for constructive feedback, these tools contribute to increased employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall organizational growth.

There are several tools that IT companies can consider for collecting feedback from new hires. Here are some options: 1. SurveyMonkey 2. Culture Amp 3. TINY pulse 4. Officevibe 5. 15five 6. Qualtrics: Remember to consider your specific requirements, such as integration capabilities, customization options, and budget constraints, when choosing a feedback tool for your IT company. Additionally, check for the latest reviews and features to ensure the tool aligns with your organization's needs.

One of the few collaboration and employee engagement tools which I know and have used earlier are: 1) uKnowva HRMS 2) Zoho People 3) Keka 4) Slack 5) Microsoft Teams 6) Skype uKnowva HRMS is easier to use. I can access the group and private chats through my uKnowva instance literally from anywhere. The mobile application is sleek, smooth, and safer to use even when I have low internet connection. I can post my thoughts on my wall or timeline there just like any social media tool for the employees or corporate communication. People often comment and like my thoughts to show their engagement. We can easily create a community of like-minded people there.

What I find effective in onboarding new hires is using interactive platforms and communication tools. They facilitate smooth communication, collaboration, and engagement. An example I've seen is a hotel using a dedicated onboarding app with welcome videos, interactive training modules, and a communication channel for new hires. This not only streamlined the onboarding process but also fostered a sense of connection and engagement from day one.

1. Slack: Real-time messaging and channel based communication for quick collaboration. Integrations with different apps increase file sharing and updates. 2. Microsoft Teams: Combines chat, video conferencing, and file sharing in one platform. Ideal for teams heavily reliant on Microsoft products, offering real-time collaboration on Office apps. 3. Zoom: Widely popular for strong video conferencing capabilities. Intuitive platform for virtual meetings, webinars, and collaboration. Features like screen sharing and breakout rooms make it suitable for different remote collaboration needs.

A collaboration tool is indispensable for enhancing employee engagement and productivity. Platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana provide seamless communication, file sharing, and project collaboration. These tools create a centralized hub for team interactions, promoting real-time collaboration and reducing communication barriers. With features like channels, direct messaging, and project boards, collaboration tools contribute to a dynamic and engaged workplace, fostering teamwork and innovation.

We leverage MS Teams channels to support collaboration, version control of important files, and team communication. Once we introduce these tools, we find our new hires are able to self-serve resources and also provide us with critical feedback.

Coursera: Top-tier courses, balance between theory and practice, certifications for professional value. Ideal for comprehensive, accredited learning experiences, career advancement, and skill mastery. LinkedIn Learning: Seamless integration with LinkedIn, extensive library with practical skills focus, unique profile showcasing completed courses. Valuable for professionals emphasizing skill development, job-relevant knowledge, and increase professional visibility. Udemy: Diverse course library, affordability, flexibility, practical projects offered by individual instructors. Flexible choice for learners seeking specific, niche skills, or cost-effective, hands-on learning experiences.

As a Learning Leader, I don't just throw new hires into the deep end. Tools unlock engagement! HR Tech Heroes: Onboarding, docs, policies – HR tools handle it all. They're onboarding superheroes! LMS: Ally, Not Overlord: Learning can turn dull. Platforms help, but don't ditch guidance. Use them wisely! Vet Chats: Spark & Clarity: Nothing beats real talk with experienced colleagues. These chats clear doubts and ignite motivation!

Here are a couple of learning platforms : 1. LinkedIn Learning: - Offers a vast library of courses covering a wide range of topics, including professional development, leadership, and technical skills. Integration with LinkedIn profiles allows for personalized learning paths. 2. Udemy for Business: - Provides a vast marketplace of courses on various subjects, allowing employees to access diverse content. The platform offers a mix of video lectures, quizzes, and practical exercises. When choosing an employee engagement learning platform, consider your organization's specific needs, the nature of your industry, and the preferences of your workforce.

Uma plataforma de aprendizagem é uma ferramenta incrivelmente valiosa para empresas. Ela oferece a oportunidade de proporcionar aos novos contratados uma experiência de aprendizado personalizada e envolvente, ajudando-os a adquirir as habilidades necessárias para desempenhar suas fun??es com eficácia. Além disso, ao permitir que acompanhem seu próprio progresso e celebrem suas conquistas, a plataforma n?o apenas aumenta a competência e a confian?a, mas também motiva os funcionários a se destacarem em suas carreiras.

Implement platforms like TalentLMS or Moodle to deliver training modules, courses, and resources to new employees, ensuring consistent and structured learning experiences. This platform has helped me track my progress in terms of the knowledge acquired during the training days.

Caring for Whole Health: Why: Taking care of both physical and mental well-being shows a complete commitment to employee health, considering everything that contributes to their overall wellness. Building a Healthy Culture: Why: Emphasizing a culture of wellness sets a positive tone for the workplace, making employees feel supported and valued. Encouraging Healthy Habits: Why: Supporting the adoption of healthy habits not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a positive and supportive workplace culture in the long run.

My go to Wellness app I encourage persons to use is Headspace. It caters to users at whatever stage they are in their mindfulness journey. I like that there’s a feature for kids which positions it as an ideal app for an entire family’s wellness journey.

I do believe that softwares have their special relevance in the world today, but I don’t think that they could replace in creating engagement between human beings (except in remote job situations), where we can also humanize the connection. I am a strong defender of not using any software to do things that require sensitive perceptions. Onboarding someone is one of the most important moments during the journey of the new employee in the new company. Otherwise, every new hired could say a lot of yes using the software just to not “offend” any company practices, and keep his needs and perceptions to himself (too bad). Face to face if possible. Eyes connected, ears opened… listen carefully… what can you do to engage this person?

Here are a couple of apps well-regarded for employee engagement and wellness: 1.Virgin Pulse - Known for its holistic well-being approach, Virgin Pulse provides personalized wellness programs. It covers areas such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. The app encourages healthy habits and offers challenges to boost engagement 2. Wellable: - Wellable offers a customizable platform for employee wellness. It includes challenges, virtual fitness classes, and resources for mental well-being. The app integrates with various fitness trackers and provides data-driven insights. Requesting demos, reading user reviews, and ensuring compatibility with your existing systems are crucial steps in making an informed decision.

A wellness app for new joiners can enhance their workplace experience. Provide onboarding information about company wellness programs, incorporate fitness challenges, offer mental health resources, and include nutritional guidance. This holistic approach ensures that new employees have the tools and support they need for a healthy and seamless integration into the workplace.

The most important tool that we need, is not a tool, its the human touch to the orientation program. The onboarding programs need to be ice breaking, team building, interesting, rewarding and most importantly not a download of so much information that feels like drinking from the fire-hose. Its an investment - to have a world class onboarding program.

My build is to humanize the process, all of the tools or in some combination are much more effective with a buddy who helps them navigate the early anxieties. It also helps if a senior person takes time out to welcome them into the ecosystem - goes a long way in my experience.

When bringing new hires on board, it's crucial to blend digital tools with personal connections to ensure their engagement. While digital tools offer scalability and consistency, integrating human touch through personalized interactions, mentorship, and authentic gestures greatly boosts employee engagement and cultivates a deep sense of belonging within the company.

In my experience the most important thing is to buddy the new employee with another human. Starting in a new company is often very overwhelming and having a person they can go to for contact and clear communication is key. And most important the buddy needs to a people person who will make the effort to engage with the new employee for support and knowledge transfer.

I support the human touch as the best approach for onboarding new colleagues. All platforms and knowledge bases are quite important and helpful, but highest priority for all employers should be how people feel, especially first days and weeks in a new environment. I would recommend a first day morning coffee with all new colleagues, so they feel they are wanted and valued as human beings not only as professionals.