With each new hire, employers must prepare an onboarding process tailored to that role, that helps gradually introduce them to the company culture and their responsibilities.
Typically, the onboarding process includes a basic orientation to the workplace, training related to the job role, and completion of required agreements, forms, etc. However, a poor onboarding experience is a sure way to get employees off to a bad start and a step towards poor engagement and burnout.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to make the employee onboarding process fun and engaging from day one, and why it’s so important.
Benefits of an Effective Employee Onboarding Experience
All employers have different, existing methods for onboarding their new staff; many of which tend to be informal or improvised. Studies have shown that only 32% of employers have a standardized onboarding process. Of those companies with an existing, formal onboarding process, over half of them have seen a 50% increase in new hire retention rate.
A more interactive onboarding process can also have a positive impact on new hire productivity as well.
Lastly, tailoring the onboarding experience to your company’s workplace culture can increase the belongingness of new hire employees.
This can be observed in many ways, including:
- New hires bonding with existing employees
- A new hire’s sense of purpose within the company
- Creating a familiarity with the workplace and related departments
Welcome New Hires With Engaging Onboarding Strategies
To help increase employee engagement with new hires, employers need to consider inventive ways for their new hires to participate in onboarding activities. Providing an interactive experience that can ease new employees into their positions will not only help grow their productivity when they take on bigger tasks but also increase their potential for taking on more challenging tasks in the future.
Here are some activities and strategies that can lead to a fun, engaging, and successful onboarding experience:
Company Social Events
Social gatherings can be a prime source of interaction for newly hired employees with the existing staff of the company. Employers may want to leverage introducing the entire staff to new hire employees to establish belongingness with both parties. This can be achieved in a few different ways.
Throw a Welcome Party for New Hires
To truly make new hires feel welcome, employers may want to consider throwing a “first-day party” to formally initiate new hires with the company. This will also give the new employee a chance to gain a first impression of the workplace and staff.
There is no set way to plan a welcome party for employees, but some festivities can include:
- Offering an employee group lunch
- Assigning buddies or mentors to new hires
- Organizing a tour of the workplace
Facilitating these activities directly engages the new hire employees with the company culture, the workplace, and the staff.
Introduce the Company Culture by incorporating Workplace Activities
Organizing activities for the workplace can provide opportunities for all employees to show off their skills and socialize with their coworkers. For some activities, employers may schedule a workshop, seminar, or arrange office celebrations for holidays, etc. This can help build skills and establish company culture for new hire employees.
Employers can also opt for a more casual approach to organizing social events by gathering the staff for activities outside of the workplace. These types of activities may require a venue or meeting space to be scheduled in advance. Ideas for activities outside the workplace can include:
- Company picnics or dinners
- Charity fundraiser events
- Sports outings
Gamify the Learning Experience
Creating unique learning experiences for new hires to engage with will leave a positive impact on them while also boosting their initial training.
However, organizing game-like experiences does not necessarily have to relate to training. Some activities can be focused on introducing new hires to the staff or the workplace facility.
Introduce New Hires Using ‘Icebreaker’ Games
A great way to connect the workforce with new hires would be to create an ‘icebreaker’ game for all employees to participate in. ‘Icebreaker’ games typically include formal introductions, sharing experiences, and occasionally discussing hobbies.
Allowing the opportunity for a new hire to share experiences with the staff can help establish unity and familiarity within the team as soon as the first day.
Strengthen the Learning Experience by Utilizing Quizzes and Scavenger Hunts
When incorporating training during the onboarding process, new hires should feel engaged with the information and tasks being taught to ensure a successful onboarding experience. Creating simple games like quizzes or scavenger hunts can make the learning experience fun.
Quizzes are best used for reinforcing company values, job tasks, and good practices while scavenger hunts typically help introduce new hire employees to the workplace or any programs the job may require.
Gamifying onboarding activities can benefit new hire employees in ways such as:
- Retaining newly taught information
- Creating a memorable experience to refer back to
- Boost self-esteem
- Foster collaboration and communication with other employees
- Strengthen problem-solving skills
Start New Hires With a Simple Schedule
Employers should start new hires off easily during onboarding, regardless of how long the probationary period is. Some employers may even consider holding off on giving the employee tasks for the position until specialized training is fulfilled.
It’s important to consider these key practices to ensure an easy-going onboarding experience:
- Set small goals that can easily be attainable
- Incorporate personalized meetings with a manager or mentor
- Create a forum for a new hire to ask questions, such as regular meetings or a group discussion board
Being able to efficiently organize new hire schedules with a scheduling solution can help employers ease new hires into their new positions without error.
Welcoming New Hires With Company Gifts
Lastly, offering specialized gifts for employees can be an easy and effective way to satisfy new hires instantly. Employers may even offer company-branded merchandise to increase new hire relationships with the company.
These items can range from stylish wear to practical use tools that are intended to assist employees in their new positions. Some additional gift ideas may include:
- T-shirts or jackets
- Carrying bags
- Employee starting kits or office supplies
- Phone or computer accessories
- Housewares such as drinking glasses or blankets
- Snacks or drinks
Get Help With Managing Employee Onboarding
The onboarding process can be a difficult one to master, particularly for smaller businesses. It’s crucial that all employers implement an easy, executable strategy that can guide new employees during their probationary period.
Leveraging a modern onboarding solution that can help organize onboarding tasks, track new hire progress, and assist employees with required forms can help reduce time spent on tedious onboarding tasks and leave room for more creative and engaging onboarding activities.
For more information on how our onboarding solution can provide your business with seamless new hire transitions, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.
