Imagine being welcomed into a new company like never before. The first day of work is no longer filled with endless paperwork, boring slideshows, and outdated training videos. Instead, you receive a warm welcome, an introduction to your co-workers, and begin training on crucial skills to help you excel at your new position. This is the future of onboarding, and it’s quickly becoming the norm with some of the best onboarding programs in the industry.
But what makes a great onboarding program? It is more than just providing a handbook and phone number for HR. The best programs focus on creating positive first impressions, building a sense of bonding with co-workers and managers, and delivering comprehensive training on culture and job performance. When done correctly, onboarding programs can lead to greater employee retention, better job performance, and increased company success.
In this article, we will look at some of the best onboarding programs, what makes them successful, and how to implement these proven strategies for a successful onboarding program in your own company.
Salesforce
Salesforce is known for its comprehensive onboarding program that spans nearly a year. The program begins with online training modules that introduce employees to the company’s culture and values. This is followed by a four-day in-person training boot camp that builds a sense of comradery among new hires. The program then delivers three months of intensive job training, followed by another six months of ongoing mentorship and coaching.
What makes Salesforce’s program so successful is its emphasis on creating a sense of community among new hires. By investing considerable time and resources into the onboarding process, employees feel valued and supported from day one.
Zappos
Zappos is an online shoe and clothing retailer with one of the most innovative onboarding programs in the industry. Instead of a traditional HR orientation, employees begin the onboarding process by attending a four-week course called “Zapponian.” The course emphasizes the company’s values and culture, customer service, and the importance of delivering exceptional experiences to customers.
What makes Zappos’ program so successful is its emphasis on employee empowerment and creativity. New hires are encouraged to think outside of the box and are given opportunities to lead projects, learn from experienced team members, and grow in their positions quickly.
Hubspot
Hubspot is a cloud-based sales and marketing software company, with an award-winning onboarding program. The program begins with an in-person interactive boot camp, followed by virtual training modules and ongoing coaching. One of the unique features of Hubspot’s program is its emphasis on pairing new hires with experienced mentors who provide valuable feedback and guidance throughout the onboarding process.
What makes Hubspot’s program so successful is its personalized approach to onboarding. Each employee is matched with a mentor who is invested in their success and guides them through the training process. This creates a sense of community and belonging, and employees feel supported from the first day on the job.
How to Implement a Successful Onboarding Program
We’ve seen what makes for successful onboarding programs, but how do we implement these strategies in our own companies? Here are some tips to help get started.
1. Welcome New Hires
A warm welcome goes a long way towards developing a sense of belonging and setting the tone for the onboarding process. Plan a welcome event, introduce new hires to the team, show them around the office, and make them feel at home.
2. Remove Boring Training
The onboarding process should be engaging, interactive, and memorable. Avoid dry and boring training methods like slideshows and videos and instead use real-world scenarios, role-playing, and interactive games.
3. Prioritize Culture and Values
It is essential for new hires to understand the company’s culture, values, and mission from day one. This will ensure that they are aligned with the company’s vision and will lead to greater job satisfaction and job performance. Plan a comprehensive culture program and involve top executives to share their insights and experience.
4. Assign Mentorship Pairings
New hires need guidance and support throughout the onboarding process. Assign experienced team members as mentors to provide feedback and guidance, and to answer any questions new employees may have. This will help foster a sense of community and belonging and provide a valuable support system.
5. Deliver Job-Specific Training
While aspects of the onboarding process should focus on the company’s culture and values, it’s also important to deliver job-specific training. A structured and comprehensive training program will help new hires learn the essential skills needed to excel in their position and feel confident in their abilities.
In conclusion, onboarding is a crucial process that shapes employees’ perceptions of a company and sets the tone for their success. The best onboarding programs focus on creating positive first impressions, building a sense of bonding with co-workers and managers, and delivering comprehensive training on culture and job performance. By implementing these proven strategies, companies can create a culture of belonging, foster employee satisfaction, and lead to increased company success.