The first few weeks in a new organization are brimming with excitement, yet can also feel overwhelming:
– Adapting to the new work styles can feel like breaking into a new pair of boots.
– Deciphering all jargon, the 3-4 letter acronyms flying around like a flock of noisy crows.
According to BCG report December 2023, a whopping 28% of employees worldwide are thinking about switching jobs. Thus, tens of thousands of professionals are likely to experience it this year!
Employee onboarding contributes significantly to an organization’s effectiveness.
Pause for a moment; recall the last time you joined an organization. What went well and what you wish was different?
Typically, onboarding involves diving deep into the organization’s Purpose, Vision, Values, business model, value chain, products / services, customers etc. Plus, you are expected to remember the stakeholders, who’s who and how your role fits into the big picture. And of course, quickly learn those 3-4 letter acronyms.
Then there is the fun part of learning the ropes, adapting to new work styles, and getting used to your surroundings, both physical and virtual.
The first few weeks can be overwhelming for a new employee. Of course, some are more adaptive than others. Organizations can make the assimilation smooth by:
– Preparing the new employee on what to expect, especially on aspects that are either unique to the role or function.
– Ditching the one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone learns and adapts differently, so a little personalization goes a long way.
– Spacing out the information download, prioritize between essential and desirable.
– Helping understand the stakeholders, their preferences and choices, thus enabling the newbie navigate the maze and office dynamics
– Choosing a buddy carefully, someone who genuinely wants to help, not just check off another task.
– Finally, going beyond HR. Just as you need a village to raise a child, you need the manager and the team to assimilate the new employee…
Perspectives 