Anna Maria RichardsYour employees are the ones who interact with customers, innovate new products or services, and contribute to your company culture. So it’s no surprise that employee onboarding is essential to ensuring their long-term success within your organisation.
A recent Cezanne HR study found that a staggering 60% of new hires didn’t feel motivated during their onboarding process. This number is far too high, and it’s likely because many onboarding processes are dull, outdated, and cannot engage in new hires meaningfully.
Clearly, traditional methods of onboarding aren’t cutting it anymore. So, beyond the basics of providing role-specific information and training, how can you make the onboarding process more fun and exciting for everyone involved?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Put together a welcome video
A welcome video is a great way to start off the onboarding process on a personal note. Have the CEO or another senior leader greet new hires and share what they’re most excited about for the upcoming year.
This will not only help new hires feel more connected to leadership, but it will also give them a glimpse into the company culture.
2. Give them a social media shout-out
Announcing new hires on social media is a simple way to make them feel welcomed into the company. Be sure to tag them in the post so they can share it with their network and help spread the word about your great company culture.
3. Give a fun welcome gift
First impressions matter, so start things off on the right foot by giving your new hires a welcome gift that’s both practical and fun.
Fill a welcome package with company swag or you could put together a care package with all the essentials they’ll need for their first day (e.g., a notepad, pen, coffee mug, etc.), or give them a gift card for their favourite restaurant or store. You could even include a handwritten note from the team to really make them feel at home.
4. Organise a team-building activity
Get everyone off on the right foot by organising team-building activities as part of the onboarding process. This will help new hires get to know their colleagues better and feel like they’re part of a team from day one.
Plus, it’s a great way to promote collaboration and build company morale. Scavenger hunts always seem to be a hit, or you could try something more unique like an escape room challenge.
5. Focus on culture
Your company culture makes your organisation unique, so be sure to focus on it during the onboarding process. Share your company’s story, values, and mission with new hires, and give them a chance to get involved in shaping the culture.
6. Make it social
The onboarding process is a great opportunity to help new hires feel connected to their colleagues and the company. Plan social events, such as happy hours, and encourage new hires to get involved in company-wide initiatives like charity drives or employee resource groups.
Remote workforces can benefit from social onboarding, too. Try using video conferencing software to connect new hires with their colleagues for virtual coffee chats.
7. Take them out for lunch
Food is always a great way to make people happy, so why not take your new hires out for lunch on their first day? This will give them a chance to relax and get to know you and their colleagues better in a relaxed setting. Plus, it’s a great way to show them you’re invested in their success.
8. Give them a tour
Help your new hires feel comfortable in their new surroundings by giving them a tour of the office (or offices, if you have multiple locations). This will help orient them and give them a better understanding of where they fit into the organisation.
9. Celebrate their success
Make sure you celebrate your new hires’ success along the way. This could include sending them a congratulatory message when they complete a task or reach a milestone, or giving them a small bonus or gift. Whatever you do, make sure they know that their efforts are appreciated.
10. Keep in touch
Once your new hires have completed their onboarding, don’t just forget about them. Keep in touch and check in periodically to see how they’re doing and if they have questions. This will show that you’re still invested in their success and help them feel like part of the team.
Conclusion
No one enjoys going through the bureaucratic process of onboarding, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. By making a few simple changes, you can help make onboarding more fun and exciting for your new hires. And, in the end, that’s good for everyone involved.
