| JBM Consulting Newsletter |
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| Effective Employee Onboarding can begin with a simple "click" | June 2010 |
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Greetings!
We are all having to do more with less...often that means less staff to handle the administrative tasks! One way to fill the gaps is using technology to its fullest! So many employees have mentioned to me that they wished their employer made them feel more welcome and part of the team, right away! By this they indicated that when they showed up for work, nothing or very little was ready for them, they didn't meet anyone they needed to and some didn't even have a computer or supplies. They felt they had to work hard to engage and be one of the gang.
When asked why they felt that way, it was really some basis that I am covering below. We have so little time that we often short change the most important period of time and that is the first few days of someone's employment. They need to know things about us as a business/organization and employer. It really is about who we are, what we expect, and we need to show we are ready to welcome them as a new team member. We have always learned.."you get one chance to make a good first impression". Here is a way to spend this time more wisely! |
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Efficiency and effectiveness of our processes are vital to obtaining productivity as quickly as possible!
Often on new hire day, one can spend almost the entire day completing paperwork, attending policy meetings/presentations and waiting for "tools" needed to get up and running. Such "tools" can be phones, computers and/or access, supplies etc. which are things that can be ready on that first day if planned out properly.
Consider the possibilities with technology!
Putting new hire information and all forms on line, directing new hires to the site prior to the first day, can save valuable time on that first day. Information related to payroll, benefits, and general personal information pertinent to employment would be some examples of what can be completed ahead of time. Further, communications with other pertinent departments is easily facilitated through automation. There would be considerable reduced resources and time spent having to use "reams of paper" and coordination with multiple departments by personnel to get this information completed. Missed steps in the process are more likely when there are too many people involved. Having the system processes automated not only will reduce errors but inevitably result in efficiencies.
Such systems can handle all types of detail related to onboarding with little internal maintenance or support. Typical portals include a new employee portal with forms management and tasks management functions to facilitate communication with other internal departments.
Image is important as well. Employees expect to use technology, the more the better, especially with the younger generations. Employees make judgments about the organization based on how they are handled those first few days.
Focus on the "personality" of the organization. Orientation can then focus on important things like culture, mission, values, important work rules and applicable handbook policies. As well as position descriptions, performance expectations and most importantly, meeting people to begin professional relationship building so important in any workplace.
Many of the systems out there can be customized to reflect the company's desires and needs. Such forms include electronic signature and archiving capabilities in some cases, an automatic interface with the federal government's online system for I-9 verification.
Other capabilities may include interfaces with third parties such as benefit vendors and payroll companies. In more advanced situations, there is opportunity to have social networking frameworks to allow new employees to connect with other new hires, mentors, managers and team members. |
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EVEN MORE IDEAL FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH MULTIPLE LOCATIONS AND THOSE THAT ARE CHANGING ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE, GROWING AND/ OR GOING THROUGH ACQUISITIONS!
It is so important for new hires to quickly learn the organization. Coming from another geographic area and/or organization results in an immediate need to understand the dynamics and unique "personality" of the new employer. The set up using technology is endless but some examples can be capturing an online message through streaming video from the CEO, personalized messages and introducing the "who's who" in the company.
These are just a few examples...check out your options! As you become lean and have to use your staff more wisely, you need to identify those areas that can easily work well without the direct people interactions. |
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| Much of my work centers around assisting my clients on how to work "smarter, not harder" and this is just one more tip! Role clarification, mission integration, performance management and relationship building are what makes any organization strong. Consider the content of your orientation program and see how yours might be able to improve. |
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Wishing you all the best always!
Jeannine Brown Miller, MA, SPHR Principal Consultant
JBM Consulting
visit JBM's website: www.jbmconsultingonline.net |
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