A comprehensive onboarding program sets the stage for new hires to succeed and integrate smoothly into your organization. Here are 20 essential topics to include in your onboarding program:
1. Company History and Mission
- Provide an overview of the company’s founding, evolution, and mission. Understanding the company’s background helps new hires connect with its purpose and values.
2. Organizational Structure
- Explain the company’s structure, including key departments and leadership. This helps new employees understand the hierarchy and whom to approach for various needs.
3. Company Culture and Values
- Discuss the core values and culture of the organization. Highlight behaviors and practices that are encouraged and valued.
4. Employee Handbook
- Review important policies and procedures found in the employee handbook. This ensures that new hires are aware of company rules and expectations.
5. Job Role and Expectations
- Clearly define the responsibilities, expectations, and performance metrics for the new hire’s role. This provides clarity and sets them up for success.
6. Immediate Goals
- Discuss short-term goals for the new hire’s first few months. Setting achievable goals helps build confidence and momentum.
7. Key Projects and Initiatives
- Introduce major ongoing projects and initiatives. Understanding current priorities helps new hires see how their role fits into the bigger picture.
8. Tools and Software Training
- Provide training on essential tools and software. Ensure new hires are comfortable using the technologies they’ll need to perform their job.
9. Communication Channels
- Explain preferred communication channels and protocols. This includes email, messaging apps, and any internal platforms used for collaboration.
10. Company Policies and Compliance
- Review key policies such as code of conduct, confidentiality agreements, and compliance requirements. This helps prevent any future misunderstandings or violations.
11. Benefits and Compensation
- Detail the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, health benefits, and other perks. Ensure new hires know how to access and use these benefits.
12. Performance Review Process
- Explain the performance review process, including frequency, criteria, and how feedback will be provided. This helps new hires understand how their performance will be evaluated.
13. Health and Safety Protocols
- Outline health and safety procedures, including emergency protocols and workplace safety standards. Ensuring a safe work environment is crucial.
14. Diversity and Inclusion Programs
- Highlight the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Discuss programs and initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
15. Introduction to Key Colleagues
- Facilitate introductions to key colleagues and team members. Building relationships early on fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging.
16. Mentorship and Buddy Systems
- Assign a mentor or buddy to the new hire. Having a go-to person for questions and support can greatly ease the transition.
17. Company Social Events and Activities
- Inform new hires about social events, team-building activities, and company traditions. Participating in these activities helps them integrate into the social fabric of the company.
18. Career Development Opportunities
- Discuss opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the company. Highlight training programs, workshops, and potential career paths.
19. Feedback Mechanisms
- Explain how new hires can provide and receive feedback. Encourage an open dialogue to promote continuous improvement and address any concerns promptly.
20. First Week Plan
- Provide a detailed plan for the new hire’s first week. A structured schedule helps them navigate their initial days and sets a positive tone for their onboarding experience.
By covering these 20 topics, you can create a thorough and engaging onboarding program that equips new hires with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive in their new roles. Investing in a robust onboarding process not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also sets the foundation for a productive and cohesive workforce.
Interested in learning more about how your new employees can benefit from the 90-Day Guide Card Decks (there will be 3 in total – next one releases September, then October)? Set up a 15 minute call with me.
1. Company History and Mission
- Provide an overview of the company’s founding, evolution, and mission. Understanding the company’s background helps new hires connect with its purpose and values.
2. Organizational Structure
- Explain the company’s structure, including key departments and leadership. This helps new employees understand the hierarchy and whom to approach for various needs.
3. Company Culture and Values
- Discuss the core values and culture of the organization. Highlight behaviors and practices that are encouraged and valued.
4. Employee Handbook
- Review important policies and procedures found in the employee handbook. This ensures that new hires are aware of company rules and expectations.
5. Job Role and Expectations
- Clearly define the responsibilities, expectations, and performance metrics for the new hire’s role. This provides clarity and sets them up for success.
6. Immediate Goals
- Discuss short-term goals for the new hire’s first few months. Setting achievable goals helps build confidence and momentum.
7. Key Projects and Initiatives
- Introduce major ongoing projects and initiatives. Understanding current priorities helps new hires see how their role fits into the bigger picture.
8. Tools and Software Training
- Provide training on essential tools and software. Ensure new hires are comfortable using the technologies they’ll need to perform their job.
9. Communication Channels
- Explain preferred communication channels and protocols. This includes email, messaging apps, and any internal platforms used for collaboration.
10. Company Policies and Compliance
- Review key policies such as code of conduct, confidentiality agreements, and compliance requirements. This helps prevent any future misunderstandings or violations.
11. Benefits and Compensation
- Detail the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, health benefits, and other perks. Ensure new hires know how to access and use these benefits.
12. Performance Review Process
- Explain the performance review process, including frequency, criteria, and how feedback will be provided. This helps new hires understand how their performance will be evaluated.
13. Health and Safety Protocols
- Outline health and safety procedures, including emergency protocols and workplace safety standards. Ensuring a safe work environment is crucial.
14. Diversity and Inclusion Programs
- Highlight the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Discuss programs and initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
15. Introduction to Key Colleagues
- Facilitate introductions to key colleagues and team members. Building relationships early on fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging.
16. Mentorship and Buddy Systems
- Assign a mentor or buddy to the new hire. Having a go-to person for questions and support can greatly ease the transition.
17. Company Social Events and Activities
- Inform new hires about social events, team-building activities, and company traditions. Participating in these activities helps them integrate into the social fabric of the company.
18. Career Development Opportunities
- Discuss opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the company. Highlight training programs, workshops, and potential career paths.
19. Feedback Mechanisms
- Explain how new hires can provide and receive feedback. Encourage an open dialogue to promote continuous improvement and address any concerns promptly.
20. First Week Plan
- Provide a detailed plan for the new hire’s first week. A structured schedule helps them navigate their initial days and sets a positive tone for their onboarding experience.
By covering these 20 topics, you can create a thorough and engaging onboarding program that equips new hires with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive in their new roles. Investing in a robust onboarding process not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also sets the foundation for a productive and cohesive workforce.
Interested in learning more about how your new employees can benefit from the 90-Day Guide Card Decks (there will be 3 in total – next one releases September, then October)? Set up a 15 minute call with me.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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