For small businesses with limited or no formal HR support, a clear and thoughtful onboarding process can be the difference between keeping great talent and facing costly turnover. Onboarding is the process of welcoming and training new hires. It begins the moment you extend an offer to a new hire and can last anywhere from a few days to a year. When done properly, onboarding helps new team members feel welcomed, supported, and connected to your company from day one (SHRM). Taking the time to thoroughly onboard a new team member has many benefits, as it enables you to integrate someone not only professionally, but also socially and technologically, which sets your new hire up for success in all aspects of the job (WalkMe).   

Key Elements of Effective Onboarding 

A strong onboarding program is based on several key elements that guide new employees through their first days and weeks, ensuring they have the clarity, support, and connections needed to succeed. Incorporating these best practices will help your new hire become a successful team member. 

• Prepare before day one:
  Before your new hire’s start date, preparation is key. Have them complete any necessary paperwork ahead of time so that it is finalized before the first day. This will help you spend more time onboarding and less time on administrative tasks. Sending them a welcome email that outlines the details of their first day, such as their start time and location, will help them begin the job with confidence rather than confusion. If there is a workspace for your employee, prepare it by cleaning it up, removing old files, and making sure they have all the supplies they need from the moment they walk in (bonus points for a name plate or any personalized touch you can add).
  
  
• Set goals and timelines:
  Setting clear goals and a simple 30/60/90-day timeline provides new hires with a roadmap for their first weeks, helping them understand what success looks like and how to measure their progress along the way (Talent Management Institute).
  
  
• Outline clear expectations and instructions:
  One of the most essential parts of onboarding is to clearly communicate the key responsibilities and expectations of the role. Provide a list of day-to-day tasks and walk through the steps required to complete each one. Ensure your new hire understands their duties and knows where to find relevant policies, such as those outlined in the employee handbook. This helps your new hire to feel confident operating within their role and company guidelines.
  
  
• Assign a buddy:
  Assigning your new hire an onboarding buddy provides them with an additional resource to go to with quick questions or when they need support as they settle in. A buddy should be someone in a similar role to the new team member, who can help them acclimate to the job and company culture (Eddy).
  
  
• Foster connection:
  Introducing your new hire to teammates, company traditions, and shared values helps them feel like more than just an employee, but a part of the company culture. Welcoming your new hire with a lunch, company merchandise, or a fun event helps create engagement and excitement from day one (Learnifier).
  
  
• Allocate time for feedback:
  Onboarding is a continuous process extending beyond the first day. Regularly meeting with your new hire allows both parties to reflect, ask questions, and make necessary role adjustments. These opportunities for feedback demonstrate to your employee that their input is valued and their success is a priority to your company. 

Key Takeaways

• Set the employee up for success before day one by sending essential paperwork and key information in advance. This not only helps them feel welcomed and prepared but also frees up valuable onboarding time for training rather than administrative tasks.
• Communication is key. Clearly communicating goals, timelines, daily responsibilities, and step-by-step guidance gives employees a clear roadmap for success and builds confidence in their role.
• Welcoming your new team member into the company culture through introductions, team activities, or fun events helps them feel included from the beginning, which fosters connections with other employees and the company.
• Assigning a peer buddy and scheduling consistent feedback check-ins ensures new hires feel supported, heard, and valued. 

In Conclusion

Onboarding is a powerful process for developing and retaining successful employees. A well-designed onboarding process establishes a foundation for an employee’s entire experience at our company. By going above and beyond to welcome and train your new hire, you not only increase their productivity and engagement but also foster a sense of confidence and belonging. This approach sets both your employee and business up for success.