Onboarding is a daunting task. It kind of puts a damper on the excitement of a new hire with the intensive paperwork, training, and the threat of not getting it quite right. But it doesn’t need to feel so overwhelming, and it certainly doesn’t need to take up more valuable time than necessary.

Customized onboarding gets the job done right, checking all the essential boxes while setting up employees to start making an impact on the first day. In this step-by-step guide we share the most important things management can do to make onboarding work, and then we share two additional resources that can make all the difference. Spoiler alert: Eos HR can handle them for you!

Checklist for a great onboarding process

1. A ready workstation. This may seem insignificant compared to the following steps, but there’s a reason why it’s placed at the top of the list. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having all resources available to an employee on day one. It’ll save A LOT of confusion and headaches.
2. Assign point person. This is the person who will not only be the new employee’s guide through the orientation process but also their go-to resource for any questions and issues they have in the first few weeks and months. Choose wisely (or train accordingly).
3. Team introductions. Make the rounds and explain the roles of the team, especially in regards to how they collaborate together. Oftentimes the most important resource an employee has is their colleagues. Make sure this resource is available to them.
4. Thorough training. And we mean thorough. At the end of the orientation process it should be crystal clear what the expectations of the role will be, including day-to-day tasks and big picture items. And it includes how to do the job. With the rise in popularity of expecting employees to be proactive and self-sufficient came an unfortunate decrease in properly preparing them for the work. A good foundation must be laid for an employee to build upon.
5. Regular check-ins. Recognize that important information can be revealed through discussion, whether that be questions, concerns or even achievements that are flying under the radar. Make sure employees know they’ll be given time to communicate their needs.

Bonus tips!

1. Employee handbook. Your handbook should not gather dust, it should be the resource employees reach for first when they have questions regarding policies and procedures. Need help? Eos HR can assist in designing your most effective handbook yet (see our blog on handbook construction here).
2. Customized forms. Imagine onboarding paperwork that is 100% relevant to your company, even to specific roles. We’re talking all the essential information with no redundancy, and which helps to define expectations AND act as a illustration of the company culture. Whoa. Talk about a tool that does the heavy lifting for you. And guess what? Eos HR can make it happen for you!

If the thought of onboarding new employees (especially in the current economic environment) overwhelms you, you’re not alone! But Eos HR can help alleviate that anxiety. With a customized onboarding process, employees will get all the relevant information they need about their new role and company, while business owners can focus on leading their team in achieving objectives. If you’re ready to make an impact at the start, reach out to Eos HR to learn how customized forms can improve onboarding, and your company culture. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.