What is a good onboarding process?

What is onboarding: definition

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Onboarding is a strategy put in place by a company to welcome new employees and help them adapt to their new working environment. This process encompasses a series of actions designed to effectively introduce new recruits to the practical, cultural and social aspects of the company. The main aim of onboarding is to enable new arrivals to feel integrated, informed and valued right from the start of their career within the organization.

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This includes familiarization with company policies, training on job-specific tools and processes, and introduction to teams. A crucial aspect of onboarding is also the presentation of the workplace, which plays a significant role in the employee experience. A good knowledge of the workplace not only helps with physical orientation in the company's spaces, but also contributes to creating a sense of comfort and belonging.

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Why is onboarding important?

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Employees who have benefited from an effective onboarding program are 69% more likely to stay with the company for three years(1).

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Welcoming and integrating a new employee into a company are fundamental steps that contribute to their feeling of belonging and comfort from their very first moments within the organization. It's crucial that this onboarding process is carefully managed to ensure a smooth and pleasant transition. But how can onboarding be successful?

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Taking the time to explain in detail how the organization works, especially in modern configurations such as hybrid or flex office working, is essential. Clear, precise communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and adjust expectations on both sides. This creates a more harmonious and productive working environment where every new employee can feel valued and understood.

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This initial investment in the new employee's well-being benefits not only him or her, but the whole company. Indeed, teams that have benefited from a successful integration are more inclined to work efficiently and harmoniously. What's more, new employees who feel welcome and integrated become operational more quickly, making a positive contribution to the company's dynamics and objectives.

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How do you ensure successful onboarding?

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To ensure the success of an onboarding process, there are several key steps to follow:

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1. Personalized welcome

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Offering a warm, personalized welcome is key to creating an immediate bond with the new employee. This can include a personalized welcome kit, a meeting with key team members and a detailed presentation of the company's values. This approach makes the new employee feel valued and important to the organization.

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2. Training and orientation

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Thorough training on tools, internal processes and company policies is essential. A well-structured orientation enables information to be assimilated quickly and efficiently, making it easier to carry out new responsibilities. 

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This stage must be adaptive to meet the specific needs of the new employee, ensuring a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. In today's fast-changing working environment, it's particularly important to train new employees on organization-specific digital tools, such as flex office software.

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These tools are crucial for effective navigation in modern, hybrid work environments, enabling employees to manage their office presence and collaborate flexibly with their teams, wherever they are.

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3. Regular follow-up

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Setting up regular follow-up meetings with the manager and colleagues is vital to discuss progress, address concerns and adjust objectives if necessary. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the new employee does not encounter any difficulties, and that they feel supported on their integration journey. Regular follow-up is particularly important when managing hybrid work, where face-to-face interaction is less frequent. 

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These regular meetings help maintain a sense of connection and belonging, and ensure that employees are well integrated into workflows and team dynamics, even remotely. This kind of follow-up is essential to optimize communication and efficiency in a flexible working environment, ensuring that all team members remain aligned and engaged, regardless of their location.

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4. Cultural integration

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Encouraging involvement in team activities and company initiatives is crucial to promoting deep and meaningful cultural integration. Participating in social events and collaborative projects is not only a way of building strong relationships with colleagues; it also enables new employees to immerse themselves in the company's values and culture, essential elements for successful integration. 

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These interactions facilitate adaptation and a sense of belonging, contributing to greater employee satisfaction and retention. To explore this topic, check out our article on how to build an engaged team at the office. You'll find practical tips and effective strategies for building commitment and team cohesion.

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Onboarding as your brand image

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The onboarding process is often the first significant contact a new employee has with a company's culture, and therefore plays a major role in first impressions. This initial experience can have a profound influence on an employee's perception of the organization and his or her place within it. A successful induction experience doesn't just strengthen the commitment and loyalty of new arrivals. It also transforms them into employer brand ambassadors, who share their positive experience within their professional and personal networks.

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When these employees share their satisfaction, it arouses strong interest among potential candidates, attracting individuals who then see the company as an attractive workplace conducive to professional development.

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A well-designed onboarding process can also enhance a company's reputation in its sector, attracting talent as well as business opportunities. This can lead to a virtuous circle where a strong employer brand attracts not only talent, but also customers and partners who value companies with progressive HR practices.

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In short, investing in a quality onboarding process is much more than just an HR formality. It's an essential strategy for forging an employer brand of choice and standing out in a competitive market.

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Companies that succeed in effectively integrating new employees, while clearly communicating their culture and values, have got it right. These newcomers will not only be fully committed, but will also actively contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

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Best practices after onboarding

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The phase following onboarding is just as crucial in ensuring the successful and lasting integration of new employees. Beyond the initial induction period, it is important to continue to actively support each new employee. This takes the form of regular appraisals, where discussions on performance and learning objectives enable progress to be measured and personal development plans to be adjusted.

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Providing constructive feedback is also fundamental. This type of feedback, focused on professional development, helps the new employee to understand his or her strengths as well as areas requiring improvement. This not only guides the employee in his or her career path, but also reinforces commitment to the company.

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In addition, offering ongoing support through mentoring or coaching is a rewarding practice that enables new employees to better navigate their responsibilities and thrive within the organization. Mentors provide valuable advice and support to help newcomers adapt and progress in their careers.

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By investing in these HR post-onboarding practices, companies maximize the success of their integration process. They also cultivate a work environment where every employee has the opportunity to develop fully and contribute effectively to collective success.

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<font size="-1">Nos sources</font>

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<font size="-1">(1) https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/hidden-costs-employee-onboarding-reduce/ </font>

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