Onboarding- Meaning
Onboarding is the HR process that involves introducing newly hired employees to the organization. This process is also known as organizational socialization.
Onboarding plays an important role in helping raise awareness among new employees about their new roles and job requirements.
This process aids in seamlessly integrating new hires into the company culture and team dynamics.
Duration of Onboarding
The onboarding time span can range from a few weeks to a year. However, the most effective programs may typically vary over a span of several months. The main aim is for new employees to feel confident and competent by the end of the onboarding process.
There’s no definitive guideline on the exact length of onboarding and therefore it varies by organization.
Many companies opt for a shorter onboarding period of one month or a few weeks, which may lead to new hires feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the team.
However, many HR experts suggest a 90-day onboarding period. Some professionals advocate for extending the onboarding process up to one year.
A longer onboarding period provides enough resources for employees to familiarize themselves with the company culture, understand training materials, and become comfortable in their new roles.
What Are Onboarding Activities?
Onboarding encompasses a variety of distinct processes, and while there is no formal definition, interpretations may differ regarding what activities are included under the onboarding umbrella.
Some typical onboarding activities are:
- Extending job offers
- Negotiating salary
- Completing new hire documentation
- Training on policies and company culture
- Job-specific training
- Reviewing the employee handbook
- Filling out benefits paperwork
- Educating employees about benefits
- Conducting facility tours
- Introducing executives
- Facilitating team introductions
What is Included in the Onboarding Process for a New Employee?
HR professionals commonly agree that onboarding starts as soon as a candidate accepts a job offer and concludes when the new employee is fully assimilated and performing at the expected level. Regardless of the specific components an organization includes in its onboarding program, it is valuable to provide all new hires with a comprehensive, efficient, and uniform introduction to the company.
Research conducted among U.S. employees indicates that the quality of onboarding significantly influences factors such as engagement, performance, and retention. The most effective onboarding processes incorporate relational elements, which involve:
- Clarifying expectations
- Fostering connections with colleagues
- Building confidence and trust
- Defining roles and boundaries clearly
Starting a new position can be overwhelming, therefore onboarding is most effective when it is distributed over a period of time. This approach allows employees to better absorb information, giving them the opportunity to process what they’ve learned and ask questions if needed.
