Onboarding

Onboarding is the process of welcoming and integrating new employees into the workplace. It helps them understand their role, meeting their team, and learning key policies, systems, and expectations. A good onboarding experience builds confidence, supports early engagement, and set up new staff for long-term success.

Research suggests the 69% of people who have a good onboarding experience will stay for three years.

Week 1: Orientation and Welcome

  • Introduce the team and key contacts

  • Set up technology and workspace

  • Provide an overview of the organisation, policies, and values

  • Clarify role, responsibilities, and expectations

  • Commence mandatory training

Week 2-4 - Settle in and Start Contributing

  • Begin initial tasks or shadowing

  • Schedule regular check-ins with line manager

  • Set short-term goals

  • Introduce relevant systems and processes in more depth

  • Encourage questions and offer support

Months 2-3- Build capability and confidence

  • Continue skills development and job training

  • Provide ongoing feedback and coaching

  • Support connections with team and wider networks

  • Review progress against initial goals

  • Plan for longer-term objectives and development

Probation period

Some employees have probationary periods. The purpose of a probationary period is to provide training, support and an induction that enables an employee to succeed in their role. During this period it's important to assess their aptitude and capacity to perform the work.

End of the probationary period

Review their performance against the expectations you’d established in the first week, discussing both their technical skills as well as how they’re working with others.

  • If the employee is suited to the position and performs to the required standard, the employment should be confirmed in writing.

  • If the employee is not performing during the probationary period, you should contact HR to seek advice to ensure the correct steps are followed. The contents of the end of probation review should not be a surprise to the employee.

Why it's important

Ensuring your new employee has a quality onboarding experience will help them settle in quickly, understand their role, and perform well sooner. It also boosts engagement, reduces turnover, and saves time in the long run. If you do it well, you will set the foundation for a long-term employee - saving you time, money and effort in the long run.

HHS Onboarding processes

Being aware of your HHS's onboarding process is critical, particularly in relation to orientation, training, and probation processes.