In today’s world of instant gratification, today’s workforce expects a good experience fast and are willing to walk if their expectations aren’t met. According to the Harvard Business Review, almost 33 percent of new hires start searching for a different job within the first six months of employment. Tackling that ambivalence early is crucial. One tangible way to ensure your employees feel engaged is through pre-boarding – preparing employees for their first day. There are several reasons employers should care about their new employee’s initial interactions with the organization. Aside from retention, pre-boarding builds confidence and gives new hires a good impression of their workplace.
Pre-boarding isn’t just a feel-good buzz word, either. It’s a win-win for employees and employers. This is especially true when it comes to the universal desire for day-one productivity. The C-suite values new hires who can become contributors faster and millennial employees crave the opportunity to do just that.
So, how do you incorporate pre-boarding into your new hire process? Below are five simple ways to get you started.
1. Hello there
Information is a necessity. Starting a new job is nerve-wracking, which is why a friendly, informational new-hire email is the perfect way to calm jittery nerves and set the stage for success. Not sure what to include? Let new hires know where to park, remind them of the dress code, and (if applicable) inform them about your HR technology and how to log-in. Whatever you decide to include, make sure it’s clear, concise and friendly.
2. Get social!
You already know how crucial a social media presence is for businesses, which is why you likely have incorporated a robust strategy that supports not only business goals, but also highlights your engaging corporate culture. Well, it’s time to show it off to a socially conscious workforce! Included in the welcome email should be your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages, and encourage new employees to explore and engage with their preferred social channels. It may seem like a small gesture, but facilitating a space where new hires have the ability to discover your values, culture and people is actually quite big.
3. A video is worth a thousand words
So you’re pretty proud of your hip office and energized employees? Put them in front of a camera! Videos that highlight your office, people and culture are fantastic ways for new hires to feel welcomed and inspired. Videos also give employees an inside look at the office layout and an understanding of how people interact with each other. Not sure a video will work? Think again. Since one-third of online activity is spent watching videos, it’s actually the perfect way to pre-board a YouTube-loving workforce.
4. A little swag
Everyone loves a good swag bag. If your company is big enough to send a few company-branded products, do it. You’ll be amazed at how far a logo-laden mug or package of pens will go to make new hires feel like a part of the team. Don’t have branded items? A hand-written note from their future manager on company letterhead also will help new hires feel part of something bigger. Go one step further and include a restaurant gift card and a note to take a moment to celebrate their new position with family, your treat.
5. Surveys and Training through LMS
Employees also want a clear picture of expectations and an understanding of how to carry out responsibilities. Training is important to today’s workforce, and no matter the hire’s age, he or she wants to feel informed and prepared.
With an online self-service portal, new hires can begin on-demand training through a learning management system as part of pre-boarding. Courses could include company welcome and meet-the-team videos, the employee handbook and further information about their specific roles. Training done before day one helps new hires acclimate to their jobs quicker and feel accomplished early.
All the time and effort put into your Informative emails, social media efforts, welcome videos, branded coffee mugs, and that first day of on-boarding adds up in both expenses and employee time. Be sure to measure your company’s efforts by surveying new hires 30 days after their start date with a survey tool. By consistently asking “How did we do?” you’ll soon be able to evaluate and improve on your pre- and day of on-boarding process.
Different companies quantify employee experience differently; however, every company can benefit from new employees who feel welcomed and ready to get down to business. And there’s no time like now, to start elevating your employees’ experiences.