Too often we hire a new employee and then satisfied, rush to catch up with what we left undone. But, research shows being systematic in onboarding brings new employees up to speed 50 percent faster. This means they can more quickly and efficiently contribute to achieving desired goals. Effective onboarding also dramatically reduces failure rates and increases employee engagement and retention.
. . . the real work of bosses (and colleagues) begins with the work of integrating new hires
Source: Harvard Business Review, May 10, 2019. Link. Michael D. Watkins provides seven key ways to accomplish effective onboarding and integration of new hires:
- Understand their challenges
- Accelerate their learning
- Make them part of the team
- Connect them with key stakeholders
- Give them direction
- Help them get early wins
- Coach them for success
INSIGHTS: Watkins reminds us that effective onboarding is not just about helping external hires. Employees making internal moves can face challenges that are as tough or tougher. This is especially true when they are come from different units, have been shaped by different cultures or move from different geographies. Managers should use the same approach to accelerate everyone joining their teams.