{"id":676,"date":"2021-10-21T15:40:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T15:40:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=676"},"modified":"2023-10-18T17:35:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T17:35:27","slug":"all-about-employee-onboarding-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it-well","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/ca\/blog\/all-about-employee-onboarding-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it-well\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Employee Onboarding: What It Is and How to Do It Well"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Far before GPS and the navigation apps on your smartphone, you had to rely on handwritten directions or maps to get from one place to another. Per the former, you hoped the person doling out instructions knew the area well enough (and had nice writing) to direct you where you needed to go. Otherwise, you were in for a headache and lots of stops at gas stations along the way to find out how to get where you were supposed to go.<\/p>\n

Employee onboarding is kind of like that: It helps guide new hires during their early days at your company. A policy and strategy for onboarding could mean the difference between an automatically updated map and someone handing you a napkin with chicken scratch on it.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the role or level of experience, you should have an onboarding policy for all new employees on your team. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a leader looking to up-level your company onboarding experience, here are some solid ways to do it. We\u2019ll cover some onboarding basics and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 how to onboard well.<\/p>\n

Why You Need to Care About Employee Onboarding<\/b><\/h2>\n

Workers around the globe feel empowered to make a change. Talks of \u201cThe Great Resignation\u201d \u2014 employees who, after working remotely for most of 2020, are reevaluating their work situation<\/a> and considering leaving their current companies \u2014 are ramping up.<\/p>\n

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The Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation conducted a poll, and 42 per cent of employees responded that they\u2019re thinking about changing their job or whole career within the next year, according to CityNews<\/a>. Workers want better compensation, flexible schedules, hybrid or completely remote offices<\/a>, and clear advancement opportunities \u2014 and the scales have tipped in their favor like never before.<\/p>\n

The common theme? Employees want to feel supported to do their best work. Not only is a solid onboarding process a sign of support, but it is also statistically proven to improve retention<\/a>. Your onboarding procedures can help you attract and retain top talent.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking to finesse onboarding for new hires or improve your current system to better serve all employees, you should take it seriously for the long-term health of your organization. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n

Employee Onboarding vs. Employee Training: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to note that onboarding is different from training. While both are important for a functional work environment, each one serves a distinct purpose.<\/p>\n

Employee Onboarding <\/b><\/h3>\n

Onboarding introduces a worker to the company at large: the leadership, their teammates, and the culture. Companies dedicate anywhere from a couple hours in one day to several months to onboard new hires. <\/p>\n

Initial onboarding typically entails reviewing important documents and the company handbook<\/a>, touring the office layout if they work in one, and meeting with key leaders and team members. Some companies implement content \u2014 such as an email or a video series, or an interactive new-hire checklist \u2014 to touch on prime onboarding items, too. Many workplaces use this opportunity to treat new employees to coffee or lunch and swag items on their first day to foster a sense of community early on.<\/p>\n

Companies that stagger their onboarding may establish checkpoints throughout the year. For example, HR might set up 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins to make sure a hire is engaged and getting the support they need to flourish in their role. This can also be an opportunity for newer employees to share career goals and provide valuable feedback on their onboarding experience.<\/p>\n

Employee Training <\/b><\/h3>\n

Training covers what a worker needs to do their job. This includes going over on-the-job procedures, getting them set up on software and with technology, reviewing their tasks, and covering any other item that will help set them up for success. <\/p>\n

Basically, you teach employees how to handle and complete the day-to-day duties of being on the job. <\/p>\n

Employee onboarding and employee training are essential components of an efficient workplace. While some of these points may seem obvious to your organization, remember that you\u2019re already on the inside; companies everywhere manage jobs and processes differently. <\/p>\n

By creating and implementing uniform procedures at your company, you set a standard for everyone to follow.<\/p>\n

3 Big Reasons Why Companies Should Value Employee Onboarding<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are three of the main ways you can cultivate success for your business and your employees with onboarding.<\/p>\n

1. You Set Expectations<\/b><\/h3>\n

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Hiring a new employee without a roadmap \u2014 for them and the organization \u2014 makes measuring progress toward goals difficult to track. It also puts undue pressure on both parties.<\/p>\n

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With a clear onboarding strategy, you do everyone a favour by setting clear expectations. There\u2019s no confusion on:<\/p>\n