Best practices for onboarding new employees

[Kate Pawlak [Appsvio]]

At Appsvio, we're still working on improving the whole employee experience. Now, we would like to focus on onboarding time. 

• What was your best onboarding experience like?
• Do you have any best practices that you would like to share?
• Do you have any meetings or events which must be included in the onboarding plan? 
• Which tools do you use for onboarding: Atlassian products, some marketplace apps, or other solutions?

It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned HR professional, a team leader, or a business owner. Regardless of your background, onboarding new employees is relevant to us all. 

Some tips from my experience:

1. Create a comprehensive onboarding plan: A well-structured onboarding plan can make all the difference. It should include not only the basics like paperwork and introductions but also a clear outline of the employee's role, responsibilities, and expectations. Try to engage team members, as this new hire will work with them. Don't assign all tasks only to the HR team.
2. Assign a mentor or buddy: This person can provide insights into the company culture, answer questions, and offer advice on navigating the organization. Make sure new employees feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. It can help them feel more engaged and invested in their work.
3. Provide training and resources: Ensure new hires have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed. This might include training sessions, online courses, or even a library of relevant materials.
4. Gather feedback: After completing the onboarding process, ask new hires for feedback on their experience. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments for future hires.
5. Set clear goals and expectations: Ensure new employees understand what is expected of them and how you will evaluate their performance. This can help them stay focused and motivated.

Any ideas and insights are welcomed!