The phases of onboarding
A structured onboarding process is a prerequisite for quick and successful familiarization with the specialist tasks and acclimatization to a new social environment. Numerous different tasks need to be completed. However, not every task is important in the current phase of onboarding. We will introduce you to the individual phases of onboarding and show you what you should focus on in each case.
Onboarding: The 3-phase model
Onboarding new employees is equally about completing administrative and organizational tasks, familiarizing them with their specialist tasks and integrating them socially into their new working environment.
To ensure this, most companies use a three-phase model to organize the onboarding process, focusing on different tasks in each phase. The individual phases are
- Preboarding or preparation phase - time before the 1st working day
- Orientation phase - from the 1st working day to approx. 3rd month
- Integration phase - from the 3rd month to approx. 6th month
The preparation phase
The preparation phase (pre-boarding) generally begins with the signing of the working paper and ends with the first official working day. There are two main tasks in the preparation phase.
On the one hand, the aim is to prepare the new employees as well as possible when they start work. A large number of tasks can be completed before the first day of work so that the main focus can be on professional and social integration once they start work. The tasks primarily include administrative and organizational matters, such as the contractual and legal paperwork associated with employment. However, the procurement of the necessary equipment (workstation in the office, laptop, home office equipment, etc.) should also be organized at this stage.
With lendisOS you save a lot of time and money on technical onboarding. So you can focus on what really matters – your new colleagues.
However, the preboarding phase is also about avoiding early turnover. Despite having signed a contract, many employees have uncertainties before starting a new job. Was the job change the right decision? Was the company the best choice? And will I be well received by my new colleagues?
The orientation phase
In order to lay the foundations for a successful professional induction, onboardees must be given the necessary general knowledge during the orientation phase. In individual training courses and workshops, they learn
- Detailed information about the company
- Which products and services are offered
- What general processes are there in the company
- What tools and systems are available in the company and how are they operated?
- What must be observed with regard to data protection and occupational safety?
The integration phase
Communication also plays an important role in the integration phase. Show employees how satisfied you are with their work in regular feedback meetings, while also pointing out problems and development opportunities.
Checklist for a smooth onboarding process
An onboarding check list will help you to keep track of the induction of your new employees and not forget any important tasks. We have created an onboarding checklist template for you, which you can use as a basis for onboarding in your company and download here free of charge.