Nothing beats a successful onboarding process when it comes to making an excellent first impression. Before the epidemic, many businesses got by with a bare-bones onboarding procedure consisting of a few forms and an employee manual. The more generous employers among us probably bought their new employees lunch on their first day. During the “Great Resignation,” a mediocre onboarding procedure isn’t cut it. Many businesses are having trouble recruiting enough workers to meet even their most basic service demands; therefore, those who have succeeded in this endeavor should do everything in their power to hold on to their recruits.
Reducing employee turnover, increasing employee engagement, and increasing productivity can be traced back to a strong onboarding program. In 2022, even small and medium-sized firms will realize what the largest, most successful corporations have understood for years: excellent onboarding is crucial to the success of your organization. Let us discuss first – What is onboarding in HR?
The phrase “onboarding” comes from human resources and refers to the steps taken to integrate a new employee into an existing team or department. Onboarding is a process that helps new hires become acquainted with their organization and their role within it. The procedure ensures their smooth incorporation into the company as a whole. From the initial job offer to any necessary team training, there are several steps involved in the onboarding procedure. Onboarding can be for a few weeks or a year, but the most efficient programs run for at least a few months. Employees should finish the onboarding process feeling competent and secure in their abilities.
Below are the 5Cs of Onboarding
Clarity
- Inform your prospective employer of your intentions for the internship or new position and how they fit into the larger context of the organization.
- Communicate your preferences and expectations for various modes of contact, including email, SMS, Slack, in-person check-in meetings, etc.
- Discuss their top five priorities for the position, and work together to develop a strategy for achieving those objectives, with progress reports provided every two weeks.
Connection
It aids new employees in developing positive relationships with their supervisors and coworkers. Inspiring a group to feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves has been proven time and time again to increase both individual and group performance. When new employees feel welcome and accepted, they gain self-assurance, start working together effectively, and start thinking creatively. The importance of connection is highlighted among the 5Cs of onboarding. It gives new employees confidence that they’ve made the right choice. Several steps can be taken on day one to begin building solid connections. Sending welcome videos, emails, or gifts helps new employees feel at home.
Culture
It’s been stated that the first impression is the lasting one. Engagingly introduce your company’s culture to pique the interest of potential employees. Create a handbook outlining the company’s goals and policies to share with employees. A culture’s values make it attractive to new generations of workers. You should highlight the company’s goals and rewards to make a good impression as a leader. To have dedicated employees, your company’s culture must first attract them. Therefore, it is essential to introduce the organization’s goals engagingly during the hiring and onboarding processes.
Check-in
Keep in close contact with your new employee. They may have concerns, and it’s nice that upper management cares enough to ask. After the new employee has completed their training and orientation, check in to ensure they have a firm grasp on their responsibilities, aren’t overwhelmed, and can contribute meaningfully to their team through open and frequent communication. Planned Check-In actions should involve the following:
- A check-in to see how things are going with the employee and whether or not they have grasped their responsibilities and are progressing toward their goals.
- A mental health assessment to ensure your new hire is not feeling too overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
- Team Status Report — I’m curious about their collaboration with other employees. Do they have somebody they can’t seem to get past?
Compliance
Compliance refers to having a fundamental grasp of the rules and regulations governing your business. This is the first step in a new hire’s journey with your company and is often discussed during a formal orientation with HR. Although some may view compliance training as the “boring HR part of orientation,” it is an important topic that must be addressed during the onboarding process. Organizational norms, safety measures, confidentiality needs, harassment avoidance strategies, and internal processes are all crucial factors to consider.
Conclusion
Reduce employee turnover, increase employee engagement, and raise productivity by incorporating the 5Cs of onboarding into your onboarding program. This solution covers all the essentials of a regular onboarding plan. Each component of the 5Cs is vital in helping new hires feel at home in their new environment. Human resources departments can only guarantee a successful onboarding experience or immediate productivity from new hires with effective employee training software in addition to the 5Cs.