HSA administrators, Clarity Benefit Solutions, shares tips for improving the onboarding process.
Although the onboarding process can differ amongst organizations depending on goals, needs, and job requirements, there are some universal steps companies can implement to ameliorate the onboarding process. Here are some tips to enhance the entire recruitment and retainment process.
First, employers should automate the process as much as possible. Rather than new hires spending their first days filling out paperwork, automating the process and sending them the forms before their official first day will allow them to focus on the more exciting aspects of starting a new job. In addition to automating typical onboarding forms, automating policy education and providing video training can also improve the onboarding process.
Speaking of new job anxiety, there are additional steps employers can take to ensure their first day is stress-free. Inform security guards and receptionists of the employee’s first day so they can officially welcome them and greet them warmly. Have someone show them around the office and escort them to their desk so they begin to familiarize themselves with the lay of the office. Introduce them to their coworkers and make sure they know how to contact them. Eat lunch with them—whether it is going out to a local eatery or ordering in—and make an effort to be warm and welcoming. It’s the perfect opportunity for a manager to discuss his or her management approach and style, discuss the department’s short- and long-term goals, and provide an overview of career growth potential. Present performance-based training options to bridge any gaps that may inhibit new hires from growing.
A technology onboarding platform, like a benefits administration platform, can help employers achieve all of these onboarding improvements. The software can remove any physical paperwork and help autofill basic data, easing the process. It can also be a platform for video training, “meeting” team members, and familiarizing themselves with the company and their role – all before they even attend their first meeting.
![Leading research into employee experience by Home suggests 1 in 5 employers see creating an Employee Value Proposition as their top priority in the workplace in 2020. With 64% of HR and employee experience professionals surveyed stating they do not currently have a clearly articulated Employee Value Proposition (EVP) but see it as a priority for the year ahead. The name of the game for 2020, employee experience. Roundel 2020 is a piece of global research aimed at understanding trends, practices and priority areas from the perspective of the employee experience. Top findings include emphasis around onboarding, performance management, diversity and inclusion and health and wellbeing. Having surveyed hundreds of experts globally, the report has identified the following as the key people trends set to impact our working lives over the next 5 years: • 54% said a need to improve onboarding experiences • 43% responded with performance management • 40% mentioned the importance of fostering environments of improved diversity & inclusion with a big focus on LGBTQ+, BAME, and people with disabilities • 39% prioritised robust mental health and wellness initiatives • 34% argued for better communication and engagement between senior leaders/managers and employees The findings come amid the rise of a new era of HR where businesses are increasingly adopting a bottom-up approach to management, creating new strategies for employee retention, and putting employee wellbeing at the centre of decision making. 2020 is about breaking down internal communication silos, promoting an integrated approach to work within organisations, empowering employees to focus on personal development whilst finding purpose in their work. One of the contributors, Martin Fitzpatrick, Senior Internal Communications Business Partner at BT said: “Creating truly better places to work will require us to work collaboratively across our businesses. [...] It seems that finally, we’re all waking up to the fact that providing people with a meaningful connection to work has far more impact than shiny newsletters, free gyms or new e-learning platforms.” Commenting on the launch, Home said, “It’s been such an incredible experience pulling this report together. Speaking to and hearing from so many passionate people from all over the globe that care about what they do and how they do it has been overwhelmingly inspiring! We believe the Roundel gives great insight into the trends, challenges, and priorities businesses face going into 2020. It's a must for anyone that cares about their business and the employee experience. The Roundel is written by people who care, for people who care.”](https://talkcmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Employee-value-proposition-set-to-be-a-priority-for-employers-in-2020-100x70.jpg "Employee value proposition set to be a priority for employers in 2020")
