Dear HR Manager from Build Better Beginnings
Dear HR Manager,
Bringing in new talent is an ongoing challenge for my team. How can we create an onboarding process that informs and inspires?
– Build Better Beginnings
Dear Build Better Beginnings,
Onboarding isn’t just about introducing new hires to the job—it’s about setting them up for long-term success and making them feel welcome right from the start. Here are three ideas to help you create an onboarding process that truly makes an impact.
Make It Personal
Start the onboarding experience even before their first day. Send a welcome kit reflecting your company’s culture—think branded merch, a handwritten note from the team, or even a trending book on your industry. If your team is big on sustainability, maybe include eco-friendly office supplies or a reusable water bottle. These small gestures show you care and set a positive tone.
Pair Them with a Mentor
Assign new hires a mentor who can guide them through the early days, answer their questions, and help them understand their role in the bigger picture. A structured mentorship program with regular check-ins—possibly once a week for the first three months—can make all the difference in helping them feel connected and supported.
Make Learning Fun and Interactive
Replace lengthy presentations with engaging, interactive experiences. For example, virtual reality (VR) tours of company facilities or gamified learning modules can make policies and processes easier to absorb. Incorporating quizzes or team-building activities into training sessions also helps keep new hires engaged while building camaraderie with their colleagues.
Focusing on these strategies can transform onboarding from a routine task into a meaningful experience. A personalized, supportive, and engaging process makes a strong first impression and sets the stage for long-term success.
– HR Manager
Originally featured in UBA’s December 2024 HR Elements Newsletter.
