The importance of a strong onboarding process

In a time where securing candidates is harder than ever, onboarding is crucial to maintaining them and ensuring they have a well-executed start to ensure no hiccups along the way.

A well-structured onboarding process helps new hires understand their role, responsibilities, and tools quickly. Instead of spending weeks figuring things out, they can start contributing sooner and with confidence

Here are CAST’s top tips for a smooth onboarding process;

• Send a welcome email with start date, schedule, and key contacts, or even give them a phone call for the extra personal touch.

• Prepare IT access: email, tools, logins

• Share the employee handbook or company overview

• Assign a buddy or mentor

• Provide necessary employment forms/EAP systems

• Give a company and team introduction

• Conduct an office or virtual tour (tools, people, structure)

• Walk through the onboarding plan or roadmap

• Provide role-specific training and documentation

• Schedule 1:1s with key team members and leaders

• Involve them in a shadowing experience

• Host a casual team lunch or meet-and-greet

A positive onboarding experience reflects well on the organisation. New employees who feel supported are more likely to speak positively about the company—internally and externally—enhancing its reputation as a great place to work.

To add to this, a positive offboarding experience is just as important as onboarding — it shapes how an employee leaves your organisation and how they (and others) perceive it afterward. Whether you throw them a farewell afternoon tea, or write a card to thank them for their contribution and time spent at your company, creating a friendly and genuine exit for employees is just as important as a positive entry into your business.