“Onboarding” refers to the processes in which new hires are integrated into the organization. It includes activities that allow new employees to complete an initial new-hire orientation process, as well as learn about the organization and its structure, culture, vision, mission and values. For some organizations, the onboarding process consists of one or two days of activities; for other organizations, this process may involve a series of activities spanning one or many months.
Onboarding is often confused with orientation. While orientation is necessary for completing paperwork and other routine tasks, onboarding is a comprehensive process involving management and other employees and can last up to 12 months.
All new employees are on-boarded—but the quality of the onboarding makes a difference. Too often, onboarding consists of handing a new employee a pile of forms and having a supervisor or HR professional walk the employee around the premises, making introductions on an ad hoc basis. When onboarding is done well, however, it lays a foundation for long-term success for the employee and the employer. It can improve productivity, build loyalty and engagement, and help employees become successful early in their careers with the new organization.
Five (5) top benefits of having a strong onboarding program;
- Shorten the learning curve & increase productivity
- Improve job satisfaction & retention
- Promote commitment to organizational goal
- Attract top talent
- Promote communication up and down the corporate ladder
If you need support in creating an onboarding program? Contact us, at NEAR Consulting you have a HR Consultant always NEAR you.
**Reference of text on SHRM
