Successful Onboarding Initiatives - Preparing New Employees for Achievement

      Introduction 

The onboarding process goes beyond the initial employee orientation to create an effective transition phase for the new employee. Onboarding programs that are well developed enable the new employee to fill the social and the cultural void, and create meaningful connections with their coworkers. The purpose of this blog is to examine the relevance of onboarding, the existing theories around the topic and the presentation of a case example to illustrate the efficacy of such above stated processes.

Importance of Onboarding Initiatives

 

Quicker Integration - Assists newcomers in comprehending their duties and responsibilities as soon as it is possible.

Higher Retention - Decreases new employee turnover by enabling them to feel appreciated and experienced.

Increased Productivity - Empowers and educates employees on how to make a great contribution to the organization.

Increased Employee Loyalty - Nurtures a feeling of affiliation and dedication towards the organization.

Improved Outcomes - Sets a firm base for the future progression and success of the employee.

 

Theoretical Frameworks for Onboarding Initiatives

 

·       Socialization Theory

As articulated by Van Maanen and Schein (1979), socialization theory outlines the process by which newcomers acquire the requisite social knowledge and skills to fulfill their organizational role. Onboarding solutions that are effective assist in the field; this socialization phase allows the newcomer to gain insight into the norms, values, and expectations operative in the organization.

 

·       Learning Curve Theory

Wright(1936) proposed the learning curve theory in which he mentioned that the efficiency of doing a task would improve with time as an individual practices it repeatedly. Well-structured onboarding programs that deliver hands-on experience and gradually introduce employees to more advanced tasks allow them to get over the learning curve faster.

 

Case Study

 

Known for its creative approach towards workplace relations, Google created an extensive onboarding process that focused on getting new employees to integrate rapidly and efficiently. The program, known as "Noogler Orientation", centers on making new employees feel welcomed, informed and ready to do work.

 

1.    Pre boarding - Google takes its pre boarding step seriously to avoid bad new hire experiences. 

2.    Buddy -  The managers at Google pairs new hires with experienced employee called "Noogler Buddy".

3.    Orientation - Attend sessions on company culture, organization structure, policies, etc. and will receive famous Noogler cap.

 

4.    Office Tour - Where Nooglers are given a tour of the office by one of the existing Google employees. 

5.    Job level training - Nooglers have access to both in-person and self-paced courses related to their role. 

6.    One on One meetings - The manager checks in with Nooglers within the first week to explain their roles and responsibilities.

7.     Starter Project - Nooglers get a simple starter project first to begin with, which is usually around two weeks long.

8.    Building connections - Open communication is a significant part of Google's culture. 

9.    Nudges - To keep the communication and feedback rolling in, Noogler gets a nudge.

 Conclusion

 

Successful onboarding initiatives are vital in helping new hires to be set up for success and achieve long-term success. And with the help of theoretical models and sustainable programs, organisations can ensure that employees are integrated, engaged and productive. Through Google's onboarding program, we see the tremendous.

 

References

• Jones, G.R., 1986. Socialization tactics, self-efficacy, and newcomers' adjustments to organizations. Academy of Management Journal, 29(2), pp.262-279.

• Van Maanen, J. and Schein, E.H., 1979. Toward a Theory of Organizational Socialization. Research in Organizational Behavior, 1, pp.209-264.

• Wright, T.P., 1936. Factors Affecting the Cost of Airplanes. Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, 3(4), pp.122-128.

• Zavvy (n.d.). How Google Onboards New Hires (And How You Can Easily Replicate It) | Zavvy. [online] www.zavvy.io. Available at: https://www.zavvy.io/hr-examples/employee-onboarding-at-google.