We’ve separately blogged about employee onboarding and wellbeing but not shouted enough about the connection between the two!
We know that an employer’s first real opportunity to influence employee wellbeing is during the onboarding process. By placing a focus on wellbeing at this early-stage employees will be made to feel welcomed, supported, and integrated into their new work environment. Obvious really but it’s very easy to forget what it feels like to be the new person in the team.
In this article we’ll look at 5 tips that organisations can use to maximise the wellbeing of employees during the onboarding process:
1 – Provide clear and comprehensive information:
New employees should receive clear and comprehensive information about their role, responsibilities, and expectations. This will help them understand their role and how it contributes to the overall goals of the organisation. This helps to engender a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
2 – Create a sense of community:
Onboarding is an opportunity for new employees to network and build relationships with their colleagues. Creating a sense of community, for example by including them in existing groups, committees and forums, can help new hires feel supported and more comfortable in their new work environment.
3 – Encourage open communication:
Encourage open communication between new hires and their managers, mentors, or other team members. Perhaps ensure regular one-to-ones with their line manager and HR are fixed in the diary, and create opportunities for feedback at regular intervals. New employees, like all employees, need to feel heard, understood, and valued as this contributes to their overall job satisfaction.
4 – Provide opportunities for learning and development:
Training programs, professional development opportunities and access to online resources can help employees feel more confident and competent in their new role, which can contribute to their overall job satisfaction.
5 – Celebrate milestones and achievements:
For example, their first week or month on the job, or their first big project completion could be cause for celebration. This can help new hires to feel valued, and it demonstrates that you have a positive and encouraging work environment.
Overall, onboarding is an important process that helps new hires feel welcome, supported, and integrated into their new work environment. It helps your new employees understand their place in the company and how they can contribute to the overall goals of the business, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Onboarding should not be rushed and requires careful planning to maximise the opportunity to get off on the right footing.
If you want help with your onboarding processes, employee wellbeing or any other HR issue, HR Revolution is here to help! Please email us at hello@hrrevolution.co.uk for more information on how we can help your business!
