All Aboard!

Key criteria for a proper employee onboard

Employee onboarding is a critical process that sets the tone for a new hire’s experience within an organization. It’s not just about paperwork and orientation; it’s about laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling tenure.

In today’s hybrid work environment, where remote and in-person dynamics intersect, the importance of effective onboarding is more pronounced than ever before.

Despite evidence that good onboarding matters, most managers and organizations don’t get it right. A recent Harvard Business Review survey found that only 52% of new hires feel satisfied with their onboarding experience, with 32% finding it confusing and 22% disorganized. A poor onboarding experience can leave employees feeling uncomfortable, confused, and dejected. It could also make your employees less engaged at work. Reports show that disengaged employees cost businesses the equivalent of 18% of their salary. Addressing these gaps is vital for employers to retain their teammates and maintain productivity.

At Bennett Design, we understand the importance of effective onboarding. We have allocated resources to this process and attribute the increased engagement, faster integration and improved job satisfaction to our comprehensive onboarding program. Our program earned us an award nomination from the Canadian HR Awards for Best HR Communication Strategy during the pandemic

1. Setting Expectations and Building Confidence

Proper onboarding provides new employees with clarity on their roles, responsibilities, and expectations from day one. With many organizations still operating in a hybrid environment, communication channels may be diverse and dispersed. Setting these expectations becomes even more crucial.

Onboarding at Bennett Design begins the moment the offer is delivered. Together with the compensation agreement comes a recap of the formal job description, a company organizational chart, a “first day agenda” and an electronic Employee Handbook.

Clear communication about expectations (even dress code, where to park and what our company values are) helps new hires feel confident and empowered.

2. Accelerating Integration and Collaboration

Effective onboarding accelerates the integration of new hires into the organizational culture and facilitates collaboration with colleagues. In a hybrid setup, where face-to-face interactions may be limited, intentional efforts are needed to foster connections and build rapport among team members.

Employees who are granted access to essential company resources, such as internal communication platforms, document sharing tools, and collaboration software facilitates seamless integration into the company’s digital ecosystem and enables employees to access the resources they need to perform their roles effectively. It lays the foundation for empowerment and autonomy that are critical to job productivity and satisfaction.

For this reason, it’s imperative that all new hires begin their tenure at Bennett with their own laptop, updated and loaded with all necessary software and fonts – the moment they arrive.

Many companies make the mistake of waiting for new hires to start before making these vital arrangements – and yet the first few hours are critical to successful integration.

3. Enhancing Engagement and Retention

Early connection with the organization and colleagues is vital for enhancing employee engagement and retention. Studies show that employees who experience a positive onboarding process are more likely to be engaged and committed to their roles in the long term. By investing in meaningful interactions and support systems from the outset, organizations can increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and cultivate a culture of loyalty and dedication.

The onboarding process at Bennett includes fresh flowers or a plant for all new employees. This is a literal reminder of how pleased we are to have them onboard – meant to last the entire first week or more. Additionally, all new hires are invited to a social ‘first day lunch”. Having time together in a social setting makes space for social interaction, connection and the start of workplace cohesion. These are vital to a healthy work place culture.

4. Fostering Belonging and Inclusion

Perhaps most importantly, effective onboarding lays the groundwork for fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Research indicates that employees who feel a sense of belonging are more productive, collaborative, and resilient in the face of challenges. In a hybrid environment, where the risk of isolation and disconnection is heightened, intentional efforts to welcome and support new hires are essential.

Social cohesion beyond your core team is critical to employee belonging. At Bennett we’ve created “Colour Houses” – a concept right out of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts where employees are divided into four colour houses. Employees from different departments come together for training, social activities, and team building. This fosters inter-departmental interaction and a sense of belonging beyond core teams.

In the ever-evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work, the success of your organization hinges on the strength and commitment of your team. By investing in an engaging onboarding experience, you lay the groundwork for a workforce that is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also connected, motivated and empowered.

Its time to embrace the power of onboarding in remote and hybrid work settings, to create an environment where every new hire feels seen, valued and inspired.

So raise the anchor, chart the course and let the power of effective onboarding guide your team towards a brighter future. Smooth seas and a united and resilient workforce await those who prioritize the onboarding experience!

For more information about our onboarding process, email us at careers@bennettdesign.ca.