It starts before the first day
The onboarding process for new employees doesn’t begin on their first day at work, but rather during the recruitment phase. This is where a realistic picture of the role is communicated, laying the foundation for a successful onboarding experience from day one.
It’s not just about providing information about the workplace and job responsibilities – it’s about involving, motivating, and building relationships from the very beginning.
Preparing for the first day: pre-boarding
The next phase is all about preparation – pre-boarding – to ensure everything is ready before your new employee's first day. This includes:
- Providing relevant information in advance
- Ensuring equipment, access, and systems are set up
- Sharing a clear schedule for the first weeks
- Introducing the team ahead of time, if possible
- Setting up a “timeline” with meetings with key people in the organization
All of this helps your new colleague feel welcome and ready to get started from day one.
Create a clear written onboarding plan
It’s essential to prepare a written onboarding plan that clearly communicates key information. This provides new employees with predictability and a sense of security, and serves as a simple guide. The plan often includes:
- Defined goals for the first weeks and months
- Clear responsibilities – who is in charge of what
- Available resources and support persons (colleagues who can assist the new hire)
- A timeline for introductions, training, and follow-up