Career

5 Tips for a Smooth Onboard­ing Process

17. July 2017

Once an employee has handed in his resignation letter and signed the contract with his new employer, he is sure to look forward to a fresh start. However, he needs to sit out his notice period first. As recruiters, we know that this is often a difficult time for employees. We recommend that the new employer invites the new team member to company events, even if these take place before the start date. It is important to show the person that one is looking forward to his arrival. We have put together five more tips for a perfect onboarding here for you.

1. Prepare an introduction program
A carefully planned, detailed introduction program gives the new team member the feeling that the company is looking forward to working with him. It is a sign of appreciation for the work he is about to do. We recommend sending the employee the introduction program before his first day at work, so he knows what to expect in the first days. The program should also include who goes to lunch with the new team member. Of course, a team lunch would be ideal!

2. Inform the team
The extended team should be informed on which day the new person starts and what his role will be. This helps avoid quizzical looks when people are introduced.

3. Organise a welcome present
Small gestures make a big difference! The employee will feel welcome and happy when he sees a bouquet of flowers and a card from the whole team on his desk when he walks in.

4. Have the IT equipment ready
Without a computer, the employee will feel cut off from the working environment. Even though he will probably spend a lot of time in meeting in the beginning, he should have his equipment ready so he can organise himself and start working.

5. Get Feedback
A few days after the employee has started work it may be an idea to plan a meeting and ask the new employee what he thought of his introduction program. Does he have everything he needs? Has he been introduced to everyone? Does he have any questions?

Following these tips will help your new employee feel at home in your company right away.