Onboarding Hacks

As companies grow, it's harder for new employees to find their stride. New hires are often unsure of themselves, intimidated, and scared to ask questions (if they even know the right questions to ask). Onboarding processes can make or break an organization, and if you want to be competitive in the labor market, you can’t just let onboarding happen. Almost a third of people who quit their jobs do so in the first six months, and 22 percent during their first 45 days. Good onboarding practices can drastically reduce these figures. Part of onboarding means making sure employees have all the information they need and tools they’ll require, but there are some tried-and-true hacks that can make a solid onboarding process even better. For one, start new employees on a Friday. No matter what, Mondays come with stress, which is not the optimal environment to get a new hire settled in. Fridays are typically more relaxed, and veteran employees will be more willing to lend a hand. Additionally, managers should set aside time for one-on-one meetings with the new employee, not just to discuss business matters, but to get to know them personally. Employees should also be formally introduced to those they will be working in close physical proximity with, even if they aren’t in their department. Knowing and liking co-workers is one of the biggest indicators of workplace happiness, and can make the new employee feel more at ease.