Are you on board with the importance of onboarding?

A well-structured onboarding process is the cornerstone of a positive employee experience. It sets the tone for their success and integration within the company.?

"The risks of a poor onboarding experience are clear: employee dissatisfaction, low morale, and ultimately, higher turnover." - Laurie Ruano, President of HR Practice at Achievers

Research has proven that a strong onboarding process makes for greater employee satisfaction, an increase in employee engagement, longer-lasting commitment, and an increase in operational efficiency and profitability.? Organizations with structured onboarding see a 60% year-on-year improvement in revenue [Source: Northpass]

Therefore not only is it beneficial to the employee to feel welcomed to the organisation, but a solid, well-structured onboarding process provides benefits across the organisation as a whole.?

Regardless of your organisation's size, the fundamentals of having a structured onboarding process remain the same. Here's how to create a seamless onboarding journey that fosters diversity and inclusion and ensures you give your employees the best start in your organisation;

• Pre-boarding: Before the first day, send a welcome package with essential information, company swag, and a personalized note. This builds excitement and shows the new hire they're valued.
• Warm Welcome: Greet your new employee with a smile and a tour. Introduce them to colleagues and ensure they have a comfortable workspace. This personalized touch eases first-day jitters.
• Paperwork & Policies: HR can handle the legalities, but ensure clear communication about benefits, time-off policies, and company culture.
• Role Clarity & Training: Outline their role, expectations, and goals. Provide comprehensive training on company tools, processes, and industry knowledge.
• Mentorship & Support: Assign a mentor who can answer questions, guide them through challenges, and offer insights into the company culture.

Whilst the above 5 steps are clear, it will take work and a large part of onboarding relies on the culture within the organisation as it sets the tone of the business, clarifies the company's values and expectations ensures new hires understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture and allows for the employee feel values, thus increasing retention within the business.?

How can onboarding go wrong??

We need to first acknowledge, that things go can wrong from time to time unintentionally due to business pressures, however, when onboarding goes wrong it can have ramifications which can include the following:

• Disorganisation: A chaotic onboarding process leaves a bad impression and hinders productivity.
• Information Overload: Bombarding new hires with too much information at once can be overwhelming.
• Lack of Engagement: Leaving new hires to their own devices can lead to isolation and hinder their learning.
• Unfamiliarity with Company Culture: Feeling like an outsider can lead to low morale and a higher chance of leaving.

How can we put in place a winning onboarding process?

1. Pre-boarding: Before the first day, send a welcome package with essential information, company swag, and a personalised note. This builds excitement and shows the new hire they're valued.
2. Warm Welcome: Greet your new employee with a smile and a tour. Introduce them to colleagues and ensure they have a comfortable workspace. This personalised touch eases first-day jitters.
3. Paperwork & Policies: HR can handle the legalities, but ensure clear communication about benefits, time-off policies, and company culture.
4. Role Clarity & Training: Outline their role, expectations, and goals. Provide comprehensive training on company tools, processes, and industry knowledge.
5. Mentorship & Support: Assign a mentor from a diverse background who can answer questions, guide them through challenges, and offer insights into the company culture.
6. Unconscious Bias Training: Provide training on unconscious bias to promote a fair and respectful work environment.

A well-designed onboarding program is the cornerstone of a successful and enriching employee experience. By incorporating clear communication, role clarity, and ongoing support, you can ensure new hires feel welcome, valued, and equipped to thrive.

However, a truly exceptional onboarding goes beyond mechanics; it fosters diversity and inclusion. By creating a welcoming environment that celebrates differences, you can leverage the power of a diverse workforce and unlock its full potential.

?If you're looking to refine your onboarding process and create a culture of inclusion, Inclusion IQ IQ can help. Our team of experts can guide you through every step, from pre-boarding to ongoing support, ensuring your new hires become engaged and successful members of your team.

Contact Inclusion IQ today and let's build a welcoming and thriving workplace together.