"How to preboard employees?" That's the question. At this point, we all know about preboarding - the process of welcoming and preparing new hires for their roles before their official start date.
What many don’t know is the ‘how’. How can HR effectively bridge the sign-to-start gap for new employees? What tools and techniques are at our disposal to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident before they even step into the office on day one?
Well, in this article, we'll share six hacks that will help you preboard your employees with style and grace! With these tricks up your sleeve, you can set the tone for a successful onboarding process and lay the groundwork for a productive and engaged workforce.
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1. Give them a warm welcome
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A welcome package is a great way to make new hires feel valued and appreciated. This can include a welcome letter, company swag, and any materials or resources they may need to prepare for their role. By sending this package before their start date, you'll help them feel excited and motivated about their new job.
It’s important to consider the practicality and usefulness of the swag, as well as the environmental impact. While it's tempting to choose something flashy or unique, it's important to choose items that new hires will actually use and find helpful. You could include items such as branded pens, stickers, tote bags, or laptop sleeves - but you could also consider more eco-friendly options like a reusable straw set, recycled water bottle, or even these great coffee cups from Huskee, repurposed from waste coffee husk.
By choosing useful swag, you can ensure that your new hires will appreciate the gesture and continue to use the items long after their first day.
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2. Hook them up with their team
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One of the biggest challenges for new hires is feeling like an outsider. You can help combat this by connecting them with their team before their first day. This can be done through a virtual meet-and-greet or an email introduction.
Encourage the team to share a little bit about themselves, their roles, and what they're excited about in the coming months. This will help the new hire feel more comfortable reaching out to their team members for support and guidance.
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3. Find them a wing-person
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Having a buddy or mentor can help new hires feel more confident and supported during their first few weeks on the job. This person can answer questions, provide guidance, and introduce them to key stakeholders.
When choosing a buddy or mentor, look for someone who has experience in the role, is approachable and friendly, and has a positive attitude. You could even send your new hire a short survey to find out what kind of person they would work best with and then match them up appropriately.
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4. Show them the company vibes
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Your company culture and values are a huge part of what makes your organization unique. By sharing this information with new hires during preboarding, you'll help them understand what is expected of them and how they can contribute to the company's mission.
You can share this information in a variety of ways, such as through a company video or presentation, or by providing written materials. Be sure to include information on your company's mission, vision, and values, as well as any important policies or procedures.
Bonus points if you can make it fun and engaging!
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5. Train them like a boss
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To set new hires up for success, it's important to provide them with the training and resources they need to hit the ground running. This can include online courses, software tutorials, or access to internal training programs.
During the preboarding process, be sure to share any relevant training materials or resources with the new hire. This will give them a head start on learning about their role and the company.
Remember that training should be optional in the preboarding phase as your new hire is likely still working out their notice period at their previous company.
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6. Practice manager match-making
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As the start date approaches, it's natural for new hires to feel a little nervous about their new role. One way to ease their nerves is to connect them with their manager before their first day.
This can be as simple as setting up a virtual meeting between the new hire and their manager. During this meeting, the manager can introduce themselves, provide an overview of the new hire's role, and answer any pressing role-specific questions the new hire may have.
By connecting new hires with their managers early on, you'll help them feel more comfortable and confident in their new role. This will also give the manager an opportunity to get to know the new hire on a personal level, which can help build trust and rapport from the start.
Employee preboarding is a key part of your onboarding process. By starting early and setting clear expectations, you can help new hires feel more engaged and productive from day one.
Want more preboarding tips and tricks? Try our ultimate preboarding checklist for a picture-perfect start!
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