When I first heard the term “preboarding” I was skeptical.
There is already onboarding (and offboarding), so why “preboarding”. Does “onboarding” not cover this? The answer is – technically yes. A good onboarding should include a preboarding as part of the process, however many companies overlook this important step.
By separating “preboarding” as a distinct part of the onboarding process means you won’t overlook it again!
This article will cover why you want to include preboarding in your onboarding strategy, what preboarding is and why it’s important, and some easy steps to create an effective preboarding.
What is preboarding?
Let’s first recap onboarding:
Onboarding is a process that integrates new employees into a company. The purpose is to create a smooth and easy transition into the new role, and to boost employee satisfaction.
Great employee onboarding can:
·Improve retention by 82%
·Improve productivity by over 70%
While companies often start their onboarding process on the employees first day, it actually begins before this – once the job offer has been accepted.
The time span between the acceptance of the job offer and the first day is the “preboarding” period.
A reason why preboarding is often overlooked could be that companies do not have the right process in place to execute an effective preboarding. I have suggested 7 steps you can put in place to create a good preboarding process, but first, why is preboarding important?
Why is preboarding important?
This early part of onboarding is important - over 40% of staff leave in the first month. How a new employee enters your company makes a big difference. Don’t let the new starter feel forgotten in the time between signing the contract and starting at your company.
Having a comprehensive onboarding procedure that includes the preboarding period – will help reduce employee turnover.
Preboarding:
· Prepares employee expectations.
· Helps reduce first day nerves.
· Builds excitement for new role.
· New joiner feels like valued part of team before start (employee satisfaction).
The more I researched preboarding, the more I realized how much this was lacking from my onboarding process in previous jobs. I would have benefited by having a preboarding process set up so that I felt prepared and valued before I even started.
We often hear that first impressions count, if this is true for people it is just as true for companies. You want to make a good first impression on your new employees and make them feel welcome.
As much as 83% of the highest performing companies include preboarding as part of their onboarding process. An effective preboarding is not just good for your employees but will help your company’s performance.
7 Steps to include in your preboarding process:
1. First step is to create a process. Create a preboarding template and add it to your onboarding workflow.
2. Welcome email: let the new starter know you will be sending communications over the next couple of weeks, in order to make them feel welcome.
3. Don’t overwhelm: Send out communications in the preboarding period, but do not overwhelm them with content. Perhaps an onboarding video of the company culture, ethos and values. Link them to some FAQs, or get them to complete forms. Get the admin out of the way before their first day
4. Treat them as part of the company before their first day: Introduce the newcomer via slack/email. Connect with them on Linkedin. Send a bio of new teammates, an org chart or, if you have one, link them to your team page.
5. Send their onboarding plan BEFORE they start so they have an idea of what their first couple of weeks will look like. The goal is to make them feel prepared.
6. Assign and add an onboarding buddy to this plan. Make sure the onboarding buddy understands the expectations of this role.
7. Send clear instructions for their first day. Offer a later start time for the first day, with details on how to park or get into the building. If the first day is virtual this can include sending clear instructions on when to log on and a comprehensive onboarding plan.
More ideas to personalize your preboarding:
Welcome kits can be a great way to boost your brand while making your employees feel like they belong. Plus, everyone loves free stuff.
FAQs, create a page with onboarding FAQS. This can be improved with results from your onboarding surveys. Some ideas of what to include in your preboarding FAQs:
1. What time to I arrive? (on-site) What time should I log on? (virtual). If this is to be communicated close to the time say this.
2. Where do I park my bike? How do I find the front door?
3. How will I get my equipment? (if remote)
4. Where do I direct the questions that I may have before starting?
5. What do most people do for lunch? What time do people usually take lunch?
And if you have an onboarding survey (which is another great way to help improve your onboarding process), don’t forget to include questions on the preboarding process.