Pre-boarding: The Key to Successful Onboarding for Improved Retention and Productivity

Creating a Positive Employee Experience through Pre-boarding

After a rigorous hiring process filled with applications, interviews, offers, and counteroffers, it's a great feeling to know that your top candidate has finally accepted the job. However, your job doesn't end there. It's essential to ensure that your new hire is well-prepared for their first day, and that's where pre-boarding comes in.

Pre-boarding is the process of getting your new employee ready for their first day on the job before they actually start working. This process involves introducing the new hire to the company, providing them with critical information about their role, and helping them complete any necessary paperwork or administrative tasks. The goal of pre-boarding is to make the new hire feel welcome, comfortable, and ready for their first day, which can help improve their overall experience and increase the likelihood of their success in the role. Pre-boarding is an important part of the onboarding process, and it can set the tone for the new hire's entire tenure with the company.

Research has shown that an effective pre-boarding process is integral to your overall onboarding strategy. Proper execution of pre-boarding can lead to several benefits, such as:

1. Improving Employee Retention

When new hires have a positive experience during pre-boarding, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to their new role and the company. This can improve employee retention, as new hires are less likely to leave the company in the first few months of their employment.

2. Reducing Time to Productivity

By preparing new hires for their role before their start date, pre-boarding can help reduce the time it takes to become fully productive.

3. Enhancing Employer Brand

Pre-boarding can also help to enhance the company's brand by demonstrating that the company is organized, welcoming, and invested in the success of its new hires. This can improve the company's reputation and attract more top talent.

4. Creating a Positive Employee Experience

A positive pre-boarding experience can create a positive first impression for the new hire and set the tone for their entire tenure with the company. It can also help alleviate their anxiety or stress about starting a new job.

Here are some steps to ensure that you have a well-planned and exceptional pre-boarding process that ensures your candidate is not only prepared but excited for their first day:

1. Communicate the Start Date

As soon as the candidate accepts the job offer, communicate their start date. This will give them time to prepare for their first day and make any necessary arrangements. The time you should give your candidate to start the job depends on several factors, including your organization's needs, the candidate's availability, and the role's requirements. Generally, it is best to aim for a start date that is mutually agreeable for both the candidate and the company. In some cases, the candidate may need to be more flexible with the start date, such as when there is an urgent need for their skills or when a tight deadline needs to be met. Similarly, the candidate may have some extenuating circumstances that may push the date back.

2. Send Over Benefits Information

The new hire will need to enroll in any company benefits, such as health insurance or retirement plans. Provide the new hire with information about these benefits and any necessary forms or paperwork they must fill out. Doing all of this in advance will save time during their onboarding week.

3. Complete Admin Tasks

There may be some administrative tasks that the new hire needs to complete before they start, such as filling out tax forms or completing a background check. Provide clear instructions on what needs to be done and any deadlines to be met.

4. Ask for Constructive Feedback

Take the opportunity to ask the new hire for feedback on the hiring process. Encourage them to be open and transparent about their experience. Arming yourself with this information can help improve the process for future candidates.

5. Clarify the Onboarding Steps and Schedule

Provide the new hire with a clear outline of what they can expect in their first week on the job. Outline what they will be doing and who they will be meeting with. It can be a good idea to introduce your new hire to their team members via email prior to their start date.

In today's competitive job market, companies must do everything possible to attract and retain top talent. Pre-boarding is a crucial step in onboarding. By providing new hires with the necessary information, resources, and support before their first day, you can improve their overall experience and increase their likelihood of success in their new role. Remember, pre-boarding is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that should be regularly reviewed and updated to meet your organization's and new hires' changing needs. By committing to a well-planned and executed pre-boarding process, you'll be well on your way to building a stronger, more engaged workforce.

Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of pre-boarding and the steps to implement it effectively, it's time to put this knowledge into action. Take a look at your current pre-boarding process and identify areas where you can improve. Investing in pre-boarding will create a positive experience for new hires, enhance your employer brand, and ultimately improve employee retention. Good luck out there! The Climate People team is always here if you need assistance outlining your hiring and retention roadmaps.