How to create a 'well-structured' onboarding process

New report outlines measures needed for comprehensive onboarding programme welcoming new hires

BY Dexter Tilo 04 Dec 2024

A new whitepaper has underscored the need for a "well-structured" onboarding process to help new hires in an organisation be successful in their role.

"A well-structured on-boarding process helps new employees understand their roles and integrate into the company culture, boosting their engagement and productivity from the start," read the paper, as released by Boost.

But putting together a creative onboarding programme can be a challenge for organisations, according to Boost, which outlined the following measures to improve the process:

Pre-boarding. Send a welcome email with essential information about the first day, including a schedule, dress code, and any required documents. This also includes providing the new hire access to an online portal with resources relevant to their role and to the organisation.
Role-specific training. Offer comprehensive training tailored to the new hire's role, including job-specific tasks, tools, and systems. One way to do this is by assigning a mentor or buddy to provide guidance and support during the initial weeks.
First day welcome. Greet new hires with a warm welcome and a tour of the workspace, while introducing them to the team and key colleagues they will interact with.
Company culture integration. Share the mission, values, and culture through engaging presentations and materials, as well as encourage participation in team-building activities and social events.

Regular check-ins, support needed

The whitepaper also advised organisations to ensure regular check-ins and continuous support for new hires.

"Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to address any questions or concerns and to provide feedback," the paper read. "Set clear goals and expectations for the first few months to ensure they stay on track."

According to the paper, it is important that ongoing learning and development opportunities are provided to help employees grow into their roles.

"Foster an open-door policy where new hires feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their ideas," the report read.

Discover more tips on how to engage with employees in this whitepaper from Boost NZ.