What is Employee Onboarding?
Employee onboarding is the process of welcoming and integrating new employees into an organization. It is a structured and planned activity led by the HR department, aimed at helping employees familiarize themselves with the company’s culture, team, and policies.
During onboarding, employees are officially introduced to their colleagues, company values, and operational guidelines. In smaller companies, onboarding often involves participation from the entire team. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many organizations have shifted to conducting onboarding virtually using platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
While the core purpose of onboarding remains consistent across organizations, the specific steps may vary. Generally, the process includes the following:
- Recruitment and selection of the employee.
- A tour of the office premises (if applicable).
- Team introductions.
- Sending the offer letter to the new hire.
- Sharing important company documents, such as policies and procedures.
Effective onboarding ensures a smooth transition for the new employee and sets the foundation for their success within the organization.
How HR teams use this term
HR teams usually use Employee Onboarding when they write policies, explain employee communication, review payroll or leave records, or keep employee data clean in an HRMS.
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