Why Employee Preboarding Is A Game-Changer
Everyone's anxious on their first day at a new job. Usually, people get there earlier only to meet people they don't know, complete necessary paperwork, check out their equipment, and be left to figure out everything on their own. This is the worst-case scenario, but unfortunately, many new employees face it globally. The first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be. Employee preboarding makes everything a lot smoother and more enjoyable, alleviating much of the first-day anxiety many people face at a new job.
What is employee preboarding? It comes prior to onboarding and takes care of all the details before newcomers even begin their first day. It involves welcoming new employees, preparing them for what's to come, and making them feel valued and supported even before day one. After all, in this competitive job market, leaving a great first impression on your new hires is important. More and more companies realize that a strong start can lead to higher employee satisfaction, better retention rates, and, ultimately, a more productive workforce. Below, we will explore 8 reasons why your company absolutely needs preboarding to set your people up for success as early as possible.
8 Benefits Of Employee Preboarding That Will Transform Your Business
1. Reduced Anxiety
Wouldn't it be great if new hires went to their first day at a job full of confidence instead of being nervous about all the things they don't know? Preboarding shows them how things work beforehand. This includes policies, responsibilities, schedules, and even dress code and etiquette. This reduces first-day anxiety to a minimum, as new employees will begin feeling like they already belong in the team. Second, their day one is smoother, and they can actually focus on meeting people and getting started.
2. Faster Onboarding
Thanks to preboarding, newcomers can meet their team through an online meeting, complete all the paperwork before they start, log in to their company accounts, and even complete some initial training modules. So, when they finally arrive on day one, they don't feel like a fish out of the water; they're already part of the team. This means that they can hit the ground running to speed up the onboarding process, engage in meaningful work tasks, and contribute to the team faster. Moreover, with preboarding, you're not wasting your new hires' first few weeks by letting them figure out basic things on their own. You show them where to find resources, who to ask for help, and what's expected of them.
3. Enhanced Engagement And Retention
As part of the preboarding process, you should send your new employees welcome packages and an insider's guide to your company's culture sometime before they start in their new positions. So, by the time they come in for work, they're already familiar with your company's mission and values. But how does this increase employee engagement and retention? When employees feel connected from the beginning, they're less likely to search for another job at the first sign of trouble. By involving them early on, they're not just showing up for their paycheck—they're invested, loyal, and committed to achieving company goals.
4. Role Clarity
Start by meeting with your newcomers after they've secured the position. Highlight what a typical day would look like in the office, from their tasks to the peers they will most likely have to collaborate with. Go into detail about software and equipment, too, as that can be stressful. This not only makes them more productive but also aligns everyone with the company's goals. When people know exactly what they have to deal with, they can better prioritize tasks that push the company forward. So, they immediately find out how they can contribute to the company's success, which makes their job more meaningful.
5. Relationship Building
The employee preboarding phase gives new hires the opportunity to interact with their future colleagues before they even start. But why is this early connection important? Well, they will walk into the office already knowing who's who and what's their role in the company, which sets the foundation for smooth collaboration. This is because they would have already exchanged emails or met through an online meeting. As a result, there are stronger team dynamics, as both seasoned employees and newcomers have already started building relationships, making it easier to communicate and work together.
6. Completion Of Admin Tasks
Everyone hates paperwork. Endless forms, signatures, and policies are especially challenging when it comes to recruiting and hiring people. However, employee preboarding allows you to handle all those administrative tasks before your new employees begin their journey with your company. All you have to do is send them the forms and papers via email, and they will send them back signed. Plus, this helps your HR team, too, as it lessens their workload. Instead of collecting and scanning documents, they focus on more meaningful tasks, like making sure your new hires feel welcome right away.
7. Better Training And Development
Employee preboarding involves training, too. You can send your new employees training modules and resources before they start. This not only saves time but also prepares them for their first weeks. By the time they begin, they're already familiar with the company's systems, the specific tasks they'll be handling, and maybe even some office inside jokes. This helps newcomers avoid making errors and asking for assistance in simple matters while allowing them to show their skills from the get-go.
8. Understanding Of Company Culture
Preboarding does wonders when it comes to integrating new hires into your company culture from day one or even before that. It briefly shows them what makes your company special and what your vision is. Are you all about innovation? Or maybe you appreciate collaboration and a casual work environment. Whatever it is, preboarding sets the stage, ensuring your new additions fit right in. This early introduction to your culture gives them the opportunity to commit to your company's values as well. Thus, they're more likely to advocate for you and stay loyal.
Conclusion
Employee preboarding is often overlooked, but as we discussed above, it's key to a positive employee experience. It's a valuable tool for turning the stressful first day into a smooth, enjoyable, and productive one. If you're still using an outdated preboarding method for your new hires, it's time to reconsider your approach. Give preboarding a chance and see your new employees flourish from day one.
