You've received a job offer – fantastic! Now what? In the world of human resources, onboarding is a term many are familiar with. But when you step outside HR, candidates and new hires may not have a clear understanding of exactly what the onboarding process involves. In layman's terms, onboarding is the action of integrating new hiresinto an organization.The role of HR throughoutthis processis multi-faceted, requiring HR be a cross-functional liaison that helps new hiresunderstand timelines and expectations, before and after the start date, while ensuring successful integration.Onboarding will help you, as a new employee, acclimate to your new organization to ensure a strongand rewarding start.
If you're still asking yourself, "what is onboarding and what should I expect," here are three stages of the onboarding process you should prepare yourself for.
Stage 1: GETTING STARTED
First, you will receive an introduction from an HR administrator. This typically involves a welcome email that includes your offer letter, new hire paperwork and company policy documents. This is typically followed by a phone call to review the forms, set expectations and familiarize the employee with the process. The forms are time-sensitive, so it is important to sign and return them as soon as possible. Any delay could push backyour start date. Another significant tip to mention is that most employers require five years of employment history and highest completed level of education for verifications. It is essential to provide as much information as possible with accurate dates. You may be asked to provide references, and the best employment references are your current (if you are comfortable using these) and former colleagues, managers or customers. Make sure you prepare your referencesto let them knowthey may receive a phone call from your employer.
Stage 2: Background Checks
Once all forms are received, the next step is to begin any necessary background screenings. In most cases, this includes a criminal report and education and employment verifications. Some employers require additional checks such as a credit check and motor vehicle report. On average, the background process will take one week to complete. While most of the time the HR administrator will keep you updated on the process, feel free to follow up on the progress of your background screen. Communication and timeliness are key during this process.
Stage 3: Start Date
Once the background checks arecomplete and cleared by the employer, the start date is set. TheHR Administrator will set up your profile for payroll. All forms must be collected by your start date including tax forms, identification and direct deposit information. Once you are set up in the company system, your manager will take over as your point of contact during orientation. They will help withoffice introductions, training, tools, goals and various meetings with IT and HR.
Onboarding is a prime time to ask questions about the company and employment. Below are some questions to consider. Your HR contact or recruiter will most likely include this information during onboarding, but don’t hesitate to ask if it is missed.
- Are benefits offered? If so, what is offered and when am I eligible?
- How do I record hours worked?
- What is the pay schedule?
- What is the process for requesting time off?
- Whom do I report to?
FAQs
What Is Onboarding in HR? "Onboarding" refers to the organized set of procedures designed to integrate new hires into an organization, involving tasks like attending an introductory orientation, familiarizing themselves with the company's hierarchy and culture, and grasping its goals and principles.
What are the 5 C's of new hire onboarding? ›
By focusing on the 5C's of onboarding – compliance, clarification, culture, connection, and check-in – you can create an effective and efficient onboarding process that sets new employees up for success.
What is the onboarding of newly hired employees? ›
New employee onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee with a company and its culture, as well as getting a new hire the tools and information needed to become a productive member of the team.
What is onboarding in simple words? ›
Onboarding is a human resources industry term referring to the process of introducing a newly hired employee into an organization. Also known as organizational socialization, onboarding is an important part of helping employees understand their new position and job requirements.
What are the 7 stages of onboarding? ›
7 Steps to Improve Your Employee Onboarding Process
- Prepare for the new employee. ...
- Have the new employee's workstation ready to go. ...
- Make sure your new employee has access to any necessary programs. ...
- Make introductions. ...
- Plan a team lunch. ...
- Allow plenty of time for training. ...
- Don't forget to follow-up.
Employee onboarding is a process that encompasses everything required when new employees start work. It includes completing paperwork, setting up workstations and computer access, communicating role expectations and making social introductions they need to succeed with a new company.
What is the 4 step onboarding process? ›
Well, Onboarding is the engrossment of new hires into the company. The entire program includes preboarding, orientation, training, and transition to a new role. Onboarding covers all the specifics of new employees. In contrast, training is one of the segments of the onboarding program.
What is at the core of onboarding? ›
An effective onboarding process is foundational to ensuring new employees transition smoothly into their roles while feeling valued and understood. This crucial phase encompasses four main components: Compliance, Clarification, Culture, and Connection.
What is HR's role in onboarding a new employee? ›
Human Resources oversees or facilitates completion of official and required documents related to pay and benefits, wellness, rules, and policies, as well as completion of new hire paperwork. They may also manage new hire orientation programs and other resources in support of the onboarding process.
What is the difference between new hire and onboarding? ›
For new hires, employee orientation is a one-time event that welcomes new employees to your company. It's more general in focus. Conversely, employee onboarding is a series of events and trainings (including orientation) that helps new hires progress into successful employees. It's more job- and department-specific.
A bad onboarding experience can leave an employee feeling unsupported, unmotivated, and disconnected from the company culture. This will not only impact their performance but also affect the morale of other team members.
Do you get paid for onboarding? ›
One question employers and employees alike may wonder is, "Do you get paid for onboarding?" In a word, "Yes." Generally, employers should plan to budget money to pay their newest team members for onboarding activities. The U.S. federal government would consider many of them to fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
How long is the onboarding process? ›
How Long Should the Onboarding Process Last? The most commonly accepted answer among the HR community is three to six months. 15% of companies continue onboarding after six months. But nearly 90% of employees decide whether to stay or go within that first six months.
Why is onboarding so important? ›
Onboarding can help new hires adjust to their jobs more quickly, acquire many of the skills and the knowledge needed to contribute to the organization, and get up to speed on the social and performance elements of their new positions.
How long is new hire onboarding? ›
How Long Should the Onboarding Process Last? The most commonly accepted answer among the HR community is three to six months. 15% of companies continue onboarding after six months. But nearly 90% of employees decide whether to stay or go within that first six months.
What are the 6 phases of onboarding? ›
No matter how simple the onboarding process is, it is always essential to include the 6 C's of onboarding: Compliance, clarification, confidence, connection, culture, and checkback. But don't worry, we baked those into the steps. These are the elements of successful onboarding backed by science and theory.
What is the difference between new hire orientation and onboarding? ›
In general, onboarding describes a series of events that enable new employees to learn what they need to do to meet the responsibilities of their new positions. Orientation, on the other hand, refers to the initial welcome a company provides to the new hire (usually over the course of a single day).
