What is Preboarding?

Preboarding is a process that occurs after a candidate accepts a job offer and before their official start date. It involves activities and communications to integrate new hires into the company culture, introduce them to their team and colleagues, and provide them with the necessary information and resources to start their new role on the right foot.

Preboarding Best Practices to Engage New Hires

Preboarding strategies provide benefits for both employers and employees. Employers can create a positive first impression and set the tone for a productive workforce. Preboarding helps new hires feel connected to the company, alleviates pre-start day jitters, and establishes a positive employee-employer relationship.

Here are some effective preboarding best practices to keep new hires engaged and excited about their new job:

Welcome New Hires with a Personalized Welcome Kit 

Starting a new job can be a daunting experience for new hires, as they are not familiar with the company culture and the expectations of their role. However, receiving a personalized welcome kit can make them feel valued and appreciated. A welcome kit can include branded company swag, such as a t-shirt, mug, or notebook, that new hires can use on their first day. 

Additionally, including a welcome letter from their manager can provide a warm and personal touch, letting them know they are valued team members. Lastly, relevant company information, such as the company’s mission, vision, and core values, can help new hires understand its culture and what is expected of them.

Introduce New Hires to Their Team and Colleagues

Connecting with colleagues is a significant part of a new hire’s onboarding experience. Even before their official start date, new hires can benefit from being introduced to their team and colleagues through virtual meetings or social events. These introductions help new hires feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging, making it easier to approach their colleagues with questions or concerns. 

Additionally, these introductions can help establish a strong team dynamic from the start, leading to better collaboration and communication in the long run.

Provide Information about the Company Culture & Job Responsibilities

Providing new hires with information about the company culture and their job responsibilities can help them feel more comfortable and prepared for their new role. A thorough orientation session that covers the company’s history, culture, and values can help new hires understand how their role fits into the company’s overall vision. 

It’s also important to provide clear and concise information about their job responsibilities, duties, performance expectations, and goals. This information can help new hires feel more confident in their abilities and what is expected of them.

Give a Virtual Tour of the Workplace

A virtual workplace tour can help new hires familiarize themselves with the company’s physical space, reducing anxiety and making them feel more comfortable on their first day. It’s beneficial for remote hires who won’t have the opportunity to visit the office before their start date. 

A virtual tour can include a 360-degree video tour of the workspace, showcasing different departments, the cafeteria, and other common areas. If applicable, it can also include a video walkthrough of the company’s facilities, such as its gym or daycare center.

Share Relevant Resources and Training Materials

Sharing relevant resources and training materials can help new hires feel more knowledgeable about the company and their role, leading to a smoother transition. Providing new hires access to resources such as training manuals, company policies, and procedures can help them get up to speed quickly. Additionally, offering opportunities for new hires to attend training sessions or participate in on-the-job training can help them gain practical experience and build their confidence in their new role.

Encourage Them to Create a Customized Introductory Video

Encouraging new hires to create a short introductory video can help them feel more connected to the company culture and their colleagues. A video can include a brief introduction about themselves, their background, and their interests, allowing colleagues to get to know them better. 

This video can be shared with the team before their start date, allowing them to put a face to a name and feel more connected to their colleagues. This approach can also help new hires feel more comfortable and confident, allowing them to hit the ground running on their first day.

The Difference between Preboarding and Onboarding

While preboarding and onboarding are related, they are not the same. Preboarding occurs before an employee’s official start date, while onboarding occurs after their start date. Preboarding is focused on engaging and informing new hires, while onboarding is focused on providing the necessary training and support to help new hires succeed in their new role.

The Importance of Preboarding

Preboarding is essential because it can help new hires feel more engaged and connected to the company, leading to better employee retention. A well-designed preboarding strategy can also help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with starting a new job, which can lead to a smoother transition and a more productive employee.

Automate Preboarding with Oorwin

Oorwin is an HR platform that helps automate the preboarding process by providing personalized onboarding checklists, automated workflows, and integrated communication tools. By automating preboarding tasks with the help of Oorwin, employers can reduce the time and resources required to onboard new hires, leading to a more efficient and effective onboarding process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of preboarding for employers? 

Preboarding can lead to better employee retention, reduced anxiety and stress associated with starting a new job, and a more productive employee.

What should be included in a preboarding checklist? 

A preboarding checklist should include activities and tasks to integrate new hires into the company culture, introduce them to their team and colleagues, and provide them with the necessary information and resources to start their new role.

How long should the preboarding process be? 

The length of the preboarding process can vary depending on the company and the role, but it typically lasts between one to four weeks before the employee’s official start date.