11 Employee Onboarding Best Practices with Mobile Tech

Todays job market is hot, with job openings respectively 40% higher than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic. With turnover increasing, new hires leverage the power - this means the pressure is on to create a positive onboarding experience.

Engage by Cell helps organizations of all shapes and sizes onboard new employees with the latest in mobile technology like text message drips, resource portals, digital form intake, and more. Below are some employee onboarding best practices as surveyed by Engage by Cell.

1. Preparation: Before the new employee's start date, gather all necessary paperwork, equipment, and access credentials to ensure a smooth transition.

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Tip: Send a welcome message via text before their start date—include a welcome video from your CEO or fellow team members

2. Structured Onboarding Plan: Develop a comprehensive onboarding plan that outlines the activities and training the new employee will go through during their initial days, weeks, and months. Employee onboarding best practices include clearly defined objectives, goals, and milestones for each stage of the onboarding process.‍

3. Welcome and Introduction: Create a warm and inclusive welcome for the new employee. Introduce them to the team, colleagues, and key stakeholders. Provide an overview of the company's mission, values, history, and organizational structure.

Tip: Send a text to the new employee with a link to a mobile page with a company info and HR handbook

4. Training and Development: Provide job-specific training to help the new employee understand their role and responsibilities. This can include both formal training sessions and hands-on experience. Employee onboarding best practices offer training on company tools, systems, and processes to ensure they can perform their tasks effectively.

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Tip: Gamify the onboarding experience by sending them to an employee onboarding checklist of training activities to complete‍

5. Mentorship and Buddy System: Assign a mentor or buddy to the new employee. This person can guide them, answer questions, and provide insights into the company culture. Regular check-ins between the new employee and their mentor can help address concerns and provide a platform for learning.

6. Clear Communication: Regularly communicate with the new employee about their progress and performance expectations. Employee onboarding best practices encourage open communication and create an environment where the new employee feels comfortable asking questions.

7. Feedback and Evaluation: Provide constructive feedback on the new employee's work and progress. Offer praise for achievements and help them address any areas that need improvement.

8. Networking Opportunities: Facilitate opportunities for the new employee to interact with colleagues from different departments and levels within the organization. This can help them build a broader understanding of the company and foster potential collaboration.

9. Continuous Support: Onboarding shouldn't end after the initial weeks. Continue to support the new employee as they settle into their role. Regularly assess their integration and satisfaction to identify any challenges and address them promptly.‍

10. Flexibility: Recognize that every new employee is unique and may have different needs. Employee onboarding best practices customize the onboarding process accordingly.

11. Evaluation and Improvement: Periodically evaluate your onboarding process to identify areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from new employees to gain insights into their experience.

Remember, a well-executed onboarding process not only helps the new employee feel welcomed and supported but also contributes to their long-term engagement and success within the organization.

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