Employee Engagement Starts With Onboarding

LANSING – The term onboarding means different things to different companies. Some describe onboarding as the time it takes to complete paperwork and conduct a background screening after a new hire accepts an offer. Others consider onboarding to be the first-day orientation, consisting of one day (or one hour in some cases) packed with paperwork and everything you need to know about the organization. But in actuality, orientation is merely the first step in the onboarding process. Onboarding is an ongoing process and should be approached as such.

Onboarding, when done correctly, should be a well thought out process that is designed to build a lasting relationship with the new team member. The process should provide a smooth transition for new hires to learn about the organization and its culture. It should also be an opportunity for them to gain clear understanding of how their role, skills and personality will fit into the broader corporate picture.

By Keisha Ward, courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASE