In the third phase of an internal communication strategy, we explore: onboarding and training.
Your employees are the most valuable assets of your organization and should be treated as such. Setting up a proper employee onboarding process and integrating e-learning tools with the employee communications app is a great way to keep your workforce up-to-date with digital onboarding and training.
What is employee onboarding?
Employee onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into an organization, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to perform their jobs effectively. It is a critical component of human resource management, setting the tone for an employee’s experience within the organization.
Effective employee onboarding involves a combination of communication channels, including in-person meetings, virtual sessions, emails, and digital platforms. It is essential to provide new employees with a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s culture, values, and mission, as well as their role expectations, responsibilities, and goals.
A successful onboarding process typically includes several key elements, such as:
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Pre-boarding: This phase begins before the new employee’s first day, where they receive information about the company, their role, and what to expect.
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Initial onboarding period: This phase typically lasts several weeks or months, during which new employees receive training, meet with key team members, and become familiar with the organization’s policies and procedures.
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Ongoing support: This phase provides continued guidance and support to new employees, helping them to navigate the organization and address any questions or concerns they may have.
A well-structured onboarding program can have a significant impact on employee retention, with studies showing that employees who experience a positive onboarding process are more likely to stay with the organization long-term. For example, only 12% of U.S. employees say their company does a good job of onboarding.
When new employees feel supported and informed, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their role, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Overall, employee onboarding is a critical component of human resource management, and organizations that invest in a well-structured onboarding program can reap significant benefits in terms of employee retention, engagement, and productivity.
Onboarding: Creating a welcoming and engaging experience
The process of onboarding goes beyond simply providing new employees with information about the company. Effective internal communications play a crucial role in ensuring that new hires receive the information they need to succeed. It is about making them feel welcomed, valued, and a part of the team from day one.
A well-designed onboarding process can be divided into three stages: pre-boarding, onboarding, and continued boarding. During the pre-boarding stage, organizations can start engaging with new hires even before their first day on the job. This can include sending welcome emails, providing access to relevant resources, and introducing them to key team members.
The onboarding stage is crucial for helping new hires acclimate to their new work environment. This includes providing them with comprehensive information about the company’s culture, values, and expectations. Additionally, introducing new employees to their team members and mentors can foster a sense of belonging and support.
Continued boarding refers to the ongoing support and guidance provided to new employees beyond their initial onboarding period. This can involve regular check-ins, providing opportunities for feedback and growth, and ensuring that new hires have the resources they need to succeed.
Training
Professional development is a significant factor in employee satisfaction and retention. One common reason for employee turnover is the lack of perceived opportunities for growth and advancement within an organization. To address this issue, it is crucial for organizations to establish robust professional development programs.
Many organizations already have professional development programs in place; however, the challenge lies in making employees aware of these opportunities. Integrating professional development programs into the internal communication strategy can help employees understand their potential for growth and increase their engagement with the organization.
E-learning platforms provide employees with access to a wide range of training materials, courses, and resources that can be accessed at their convenience. This way, employees can improve their knowledge and skills without regard to time or place.
To sum up
Onboarding and training are vital components of employee integration and development within organizations. By focusing on creating a welcoming and engaging onboarding experience and providing opportunities for professional growth, organizations can enhance employee retention, engagement, and productivity. By implementing effective onboarding processes and establishing robust training programs, organizations can nurture their most valuable assets—their employees—and foster a culture of continuous learning and development. Are you ready to start? Book a free demo of our employee communications app.