Let’s Chat: Onboarding is a process

By Linda Tooth on September 12, 2024.

Starting a new career can be nerve-racking for anyone. How can those working in HR make it a more seamless transition and positive experience for new employees and those tasked with the onboarding process?

According to BambooHR it can cost an organization between $7,500 to $28,000 in hard costs to find a new employee. Of course, this cost depends on the size of the organization.

What does it take to successfully onboard a new employee? The first thing that must be completed by the supervisor or designate is to familiarize yourself with who you are onboarding.

Sounds simple enough but if you miss this step, you have missed out on a great opportunity to learn who an individual is and make that all important connection. How can we do that? By reviewing their resume and any necessary paperwork, you will have some idea of who is coming to work at your organization.

Next, greet the new employee with a smile and handshake. A smile is welcoming and says a lot about an individual. A handshake is a communication tool that inspires trust.

This simple gesture can help to decrease any nerves that person has about walking into a new environment. Remember, you want to make connections with people and make them feel welcome.

Next up is the task of showing them where their office or desk will be and start going over the necessary paperwork that everyone must deal with. This includes payroll forms, tax information, benefits, company policies etc.

This next step is so important. You want to make sure you have introduced your new hire to the team they will be working with. Doing this important step allows for bonds to be formed, and inclusivity will occur.

How can you make sure every step has been completed? A simple checklist helps with this. Once completed and signed by the new employee and yourself, this form stays within the HR department.

Remember the cost associated with finding a new employee? You want to make sure the person you are onboarding is going to be with your organization for a long period of time. In Canada people typically stay at a job for four years. That is not very long before the onboarding process starts over again.

Once you have the person settled at their desk or office, you may think the onboarding of that employee is done. You would be incorrect.

You must check in with the new hire periodically to make sure they have everything they need. This important last step shows the new employee you care about them.

Imagine a world where we care about the people we work with.

Have a Meowtastic Day!

Linda Tooth is positive culture co-ordinator at Sanare Centre

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