5 Steps to Improve Your Onboarding Process

Step 1: Automate What You Can

We mentioned before that, traditionally, the onboarding process can be dry. If you can automate forms, video training, and policy education, it alleviates some of the burden on your new employee and yourself.

For new employees, no one likes to come into a new job and sit at a desk all day filling out forms. When automating this process, consider sending forms to your new employee before their big day. This way, when they walk in the door, all of the boring paperwork is done and you can focus on the more exciting aspects of onboarding.

Step 2: Do Something Special for Your Employees

You want your new hire to know that he or she is wanted and not only feel like they’re lucky to be there, but that you feel like you’re lucky to have them there, too.

Smartsheet, a work collaboration tool, has found a unique way to welcome their new employees. Their employees receive a personalized gift at their home a week before their first day. “It reminds them that we’re excited for them, and gives a peek into our culture.” The “box full of happiness” contains a personalized note from each of the new employee’s interviewers, chocolate, a mug, and Smartsheet swag.

“At the same time that this gift arrives, the new employee also gets an email describing everything needed for a successful first day: their agenda, where and when they need to arrive, and what to expect.” - Smartsheet

This small ritual goes a long way for boosting employee morale and has the added benefit of alleviating some of the mystery surrounding their first day.