If you read my previous post, you'll know that I'm someone who lives and breathes People Operations (HR, in simpler terms). So for this blog post, I wanted to dive into a topic that might not be the flashiest, but it's undeniably essential for the success of any tech startup: effective employee onboarding. At Kohort, we believe it's an investment into new hires that can yield major returns.
So, why exactly is effective onboarding such a big deal? Let's break it down:
- The first impression magic
Remember those butterflies you felt when you received that job offer? Well, the onboarding process sets the stage for how those butterflies evolve – easily spreading their wings and taking flight, or into a crash landing. A well-structured onboarding experience shows that the company cares about its employees and their success from the get-go.
- Faster ramp-up, soaring productivity
Imagine you join a startup, and during the first week, you're left to fend for yourself, trying to figure out the tools, systems, and processes. Not exactly a confidence booster, right? Effective onboarding, on the other hand, is like a smooth runway that gets your new hires up to speed quickly, so you can start contributing and maximise their potential ASAP.
- Cultivating company culture
A startup's culture is its lifeblood. It's the intangible essence that makes it unique. Effective onboarding is the perfect opportunity to introduce new team members to this vibrant culture. By embracing your startup's values and way of doing things, employees will feel connected and become true ambassadors for your company.
- Retention booster
Effective onboarding is a powerful retention tool. When employees feel valued and supported right from day one, they're more likely to stick around for the long haul. And let's face it, folks – retaining top talent is a competitive advantage that every tech startup craves!
Some things you can do to better your onboarding process:
- Don't underestimate the power of swag
It's true, people love free stuff. More importantly, people love free stuff that's actually useful. I love dishing out cool company swag to new hires. Who knows, it could make it's way to social media and improve your online recruitment. My criteria for functional swag: comfort ✔️ hydration ✔️ learning ✔️
- Build bonds, one buddy at a time
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don't know anyone. A buddy or a mentorship program during onboarding can be a game-changer. It provides new hires with a go-to person for questions, support, and camaraderie. Plus, it fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork right from the beginning.
- Automate the 'boring' stuff
One of the secrets to an amazing onboarding experience lies in automation. In the tech world, we're all about efficiency. So, why not automate mundane tasks like paperwork, setting up accounts, and gathering essential information? This way, you can focus on the people and give them the warm welcome they deserve.
- Invite feedback
Onboarding isn't a one-way street. It's a dialogue. Encourage new hires to share their thoughts on the process. Did they find certain aspects helpful? Were there areas that could use improvement? Gathering feedback is a goldmine for continuous improvement and ensures your onboarding process evolves with your growing startup.
Here's a list of quick-wins that you can implement as part of your onboarding process:
- Welcome packages for new starters — even better if you're able to provide this prior to their start date
- Encourage your new hire to create a cool introduction that you can share with the team on their first day
- Assign a buddy to help them acclimate to their new role
- Set up onboarding sessions and add these to your new hires calendars before they start
- Automate administrative tasks, including things like sending company policies, updating personal information etc.
- Welcome your new hire on social media and other communication channels
- Keep in touch by automating check-ins at 1, 3, and 6 months
Effective onboarding in tech startups is like giving your new employees a compass to navigate uncharted waters successfully. Automate the nitty-gritty tasks to focus on the human touch – creating connections, inspiring creativity, and cultivating a thriving culture.
Remember, keep it simple, keep it personal, and watch your startup flourish with the power of engaged and motivated employees.
Happy onboarding! 🚀
