[font=Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif]Conventional HR wisdom is that onboarding begins the day an offer is accepted. Yet while the intensity of the process ramps up then, onboarding actually begins much earlier--when you write the job description. Articulating what an employee will need to do in the job also happens to be the perfect opportunity to set him or her up to succeed on that first day.[/font]
[font=Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif]Take some time to imagine that new hire on the job. Where will he sit? What software will she use? Will he have access to the computer network up and ready to go? Who on the team will she interact with the most? What will his duties be in the first month? Having a clear picture of what a successful new employee's day will look like enables you to develop a road map to get there, and such a map can ensure a positive beginning. This is an opportunity to start someone off on the right foot, and that goes along way toward creating a productive relationship.[/font]
[font=Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif]Once the offer has been accepted you can add even more detail to the map. For example, if the candidate is on the low end of requirements for experience, you know he'll need some extra guidance during the first ninety days. An especially technical position may require additional supervision. Every new employee will benefit from regular debriefings, a chance to give and receive feedback. Decide how many times these should take place and at what intervals. Pick someone to mentor the new hire, to introduce her around and expose her to the culture of the company. That person can also answer immediate questions from Where do I park? to Do teams usually grab lunch together? Schedule opportunities for him to observe other departments and get to know the needs of key positions he'll be interacting with. Ensure that her supervisor communicates clear expectations about deliverables for the first week, month and ninety days.[/font]
[font=Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif]There is a great deal to think about when visualizing the new employee's role and then backing into a job description, but the entire process provides a roadmap for onboarding that will save time and resources. Ultimately, onboarding effectively is an excellent chance to show leadership, something that everyone--from the new hire to the longtime manager--will notice. They will know they are working for a company that takes the time to get it right from the very beginning, and that's a boost to everyone's morale and motivation. [/font]
[font=Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif]What onboarding is really about is laying the groundwork for success, the employee's and the company's. A little extra care and thought beforehand will yield the most return on investment.[/font]
