Onboarding involves a lot of moving pieces, but you don’t have to do it alone. Below are five of our favorite onboarding resources that you can use to make the process seamless and engaging for all your new hires.
1) Onboarding Software
There are many software solutions designed to streamline and organize your onboarding process. Some are free, while others require a subscription. But that fee may be worth it if you’re frequently onboarding employees. Onboarding software can save you time by organizing trainings, automating basic communications, and keeping track of new employees and their progress. Most have user friendly interfaces that will leave a favorable impression with new hires, especially those in Gen Z. One of our favorites is Boardon, which offers a free account for small businesses.
2) HR Software
If you already use HR software to help manage your employees, it may include onboarding features you’ve never noticed. These could include help keeping track of new hire paperwork and training targets. Some systems even include onboarding checklists. If you don’t currently use HR Software, it may be worth the investment as your business grows. WebHR offers an intuitive interface and is very cost effective for small businesses looking for a simple but powerful solution.
3) Trello
Many businesses already use Trello for project management or to keep teams connected. This powerful organizational tool with both free and paid plans can also be used to coordinate and replicate your onboarding process. Create workflows for tasks that you need to complete to set your new hires up for success, as well as custom boards for each employee full of their own tasks and resources. There are even onboarding templates already created to get you started. Once you see how Trello simplifies your onboarding process, you may want to start using it in other ways!
4) Assign a Buddy
Not every business is looking for a new computer program. Sometimes tried and true methods work best. One of the simplest ways to organize your onboarding process is to recruit someone to help each new hire navigate their first few weeks. It’s important to select the right person for this buddy or mentor role. They should be friendly, knowledgeable about the company, and always have a positive attitude. You don’t want to pair a new hire with someone who is going to complain and potentially make them regret accepting the job. Prepare the buddy in advance so they know what to do and what information they’re supposed to share. Be sure their manager understands that they may have less time for their regular responsibilities while they are supporting the new hire, but this training time is critical for the new hire’s success and engagement.
5) Berks Headshots LINK Program
Onboarding is the perfect time to show new hires that you care about them as people, not just employees. A great way to do that is to treat them to a complementary headshot at a welcoming and professional studio that will put them at ease and deliver a quality photo they are sure to love. We know that many people find being photographed stressful, so we hold their hand through the entire process. When your company joins our LINK program, we’ll work with you to create a custom booking site for you to share with new employees. From there they’ll be able to schedule their appointment and receive advice personalized to your company on what to expect and how they should dress. Once they step into the studio, we’ll coach them on their pose and expression so their headshot matches your company image but still reflects their true self in an image they can be proud to display.
When it comes to onboarding resources, there are so many to choose from. Ultimately, the best tools are the ones that make your job easier while giving new hires a better experience. If your onboarding program includes taking a company headshot, Berks Headshots is here to make that process effortless.
