Employee Preboarding: Tips to Make Your Staff Effective from Day One

As a business owner or manager, you know that the onboarding process is important for getting new employees acclimated to your company culture and up to speed on their responsibilities. But what you may not realize is that preboarding – the process of preparing new hires for their first day on the job – is just as important, if not more so.

There are numerous benefits to preboarding, including reducing turnover, increasing employee engagement, and fostering positive company culture. In this article, we’ll explore what preboarding is, why it’s so important, and how to get started.

What is Preboarding?

Preboarding is the process of getting new employees acclimated to your company’s culture and values before their first day. This can be done through a variety of means, such as sending them a welcome packet, assigning a mentor, or having them shadow another employee.

Preboarding Vs Onboarding

Preboarding is the time period between when an employee accepts a job offer and their first day. Onboarding, on the contrary, is an employee’s first day at a new company which can last for several days as decided by the employer.

Preboarding primarily deals with recruiting, hiring, and orienting new employees within the company. The onboarding process involves giving an employee formal access to things like a work computer or email account on their very first day.

Why is Preboarding Important?

There are numerous benefits to preboarding, including reducing turnover, increasing employee engagement, and fostering positive company culture. By getting new employees acclimated to your company culture and values before their first day, you can set them up for success from day one. Additionally, preboarding can help reduce turnover by ensuring that new employees are a good fit for your company and are more likely to stick around long-term.

Benefits of Preboarding

• Reducing turnover – When employees feel prepared and supported from the start, they are more likely to stick around.
• Improving productivity – Preboarding can help new hires hit the ground running and be productive from day one.
• Boosting morale – A positive preboarding experience can help new hires feel good about their decision to join your company.

Preboarding may seem like extra work, but it’s worth it when you consider the benefits. By taking the time to preboard your new hires, you’ll set them up for success from day one.

How to Get Started with Preboarding?

Preboarding is the period of time between when an offer is accepted and an employee’s first day on the job. It’s a crucial time for both employers and employees, and businesses should take advantage of it to set new hires up for success. Here are a few tips:

1. Send out information ahead of time – This is an obvious one, but many managers forget to do it! Give your new hires a head start by sending them information about the company, their role, and what to expect on their first day. It’s also a great idea to pre-send information for new hires before you’re in crunch time.
2. Provide orientation – Orientations don’t have to be long and tedious, but they can be effective at setting new hires up for success. A quick overview of the company culture and the key expectations around work can go a long way in helping new hires settle in, find their fit, and feel more comfortable.
3. Make it personal – Take the time to get to know your new hires and what they’re looking for in their career. This will help you tailor the preboarding experience to each individual. Is there a special project you can assign them to? Can you help them find a mentor? When do they start, or will they be remote?

Preboarding is an essential part of onboarding and should not be overlooked. By taking the time to prepare new hires for their first day, you’re setting them up for success and making sure they hit the ground running.