We all had our days of entering a new working environment for the first time, anxious and stressed about a new start. Maybe some of us were lucky to have been welcomed in the most appropriate ways and experience a great onboarding process, but not all. So, here is the thing: What do you think you can do to make this process fun for the people you want to hire?
We all know a proper process is not only about offering a great experience of a new beginning for the employees, it’s also about speeding them up to get on track. The stress of a new job is inevitable, and for most, it takes time to break that ice, and until that ice is not broken creativity and productivity will not shine. So, by now we know that it’s important to make onboarding processes fun, now the question is how?
Here are a few ways you can make onboarding fun in your company:
1. Don’t overload the new hire on the first day
Organizations falling behind on work overloads their new employees on the first day of work. This only increases the anxiety and stress of the work. Instead, allow the first day of work to be more relaxing and chill so that the new employee could feel comfortable in the workplace. It’s important for them to go around and get to know the team they are going to work with.
2. Make work orientation fun
As much as work orientations are important and engage new employees, the traditional ways are often boring. Come up with ice-breaking activities or more fun ways to make the work orientation fun for the new employees. For example, a guessing game of designations with the team could be effective.
It’s also important to remember that onboarding is NOT orientation. While orientation includes the introduction of responsibilities and work, an onboarding process to make the joining process fun, exciting and comfortable for the new employees.
3. Introduce the workplace
Workplaces are considered a second home, as people spend their full days at offices or workplaces. Knowing the workplace completely brings comfort and saves from the embarrassment of entering the wrong room during an ongoing meeting. Fun activities like treasure hunts, can speed the process of knowing the workplace well, and also interact with new colleagues or people around the office.
4. Gather everyone to welcome the new employee
A great and effective way to break the ice on the first day and introduce everyone and their job titles to your new employee is to gather around for an introduction session. This makes the new employee feel welcomed and get to have a chat with everyone.
5. Give heads up on the fringe benefits
Employees appreciate working at organizations that offer extra benefits and facilities apart from the job. This includes leaves, insurance, and pension plans, which are already discussed during the interview period. But there are also on-premises facilities such as a gym, free lunch at the cafeteria, gaming room, etc, that should be introduced to the employees. This also includes other benefits that come along as the company’s employee, such as discounts from clients, early access to products, free samples, etc.
It helps increase employee engagement in your organization and brings confidence in new employees’ decision to join the company.
Conclusion
Most companies lose potential talents and employees within months and years of hiring them because of ineffective processes, including a proper onboarding process. A proper onboarding process can ensure increased productivity and retention rate in the company.
