At Matrix Recruitment, we understand that the onboarding process is crucial for integrating new employees into your organisation. However, preboarding—the period between a candidate accepting a job offer and their first day on the job—is equally important. This often-overlooked phase can significantly impact a new hire's experience, engagement, and long-term success within your company.
What is Preboarding?
Preboarding is the process of engaging and preparing new employees before they officially start their role. This phase helps to build excitement, reduces first-day anxiety, and ensures that new hires are equipped with the necessary tools and information to hit the ground running.
Why is Preboarding Important?
Reduces New Hire Anxiety: Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Preboarding helps alleviate some of that stress by familiarising new employees with your company culture, team members, and what to expect on their first day.
Enhances Engagement: By staying in touch with new hires during the period before their start date, you keep them engaged and motivated. This can help reduce the chances of them reconsidering their decision to join your organisation.
Increases Productivity: Providing essential information and resources ahead of time allows new employees to start contributing more quickly. When they arrive on their first day, they’re already up to speed with company policies, their role, and the tools they’ll be using.
Strengthens Company Culture: Preboarding is an opportunity to introduce your company’s values and culture. This helps new employees align with your mission from day one, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment.
How to Implement an Effective Preboarding Process:
Welcome Communication: Send a personalised welcome email as soon as the offer is accepted. Include a warm message from the team, a brief overview of what the first day will look like, and any necessary documentation.
Provide Essential Information: Share key details like login information for company systems, an overview of the organisation, and any pre-employment paperwork that needs to be completed.
Introduce the Team: Consider setting up a virtual meet-and-greet with the new hire’s team members or providing a team directory. This helps them feel connected before they even walk through the door.
Send a Welcome Kit: A welcome kit with company-branded materials, office supplies, or even a personalised note can go a long way in making new hires feel valued.
Outline the First Week: Provide a schedule or agenda for the first few days, so the new employee knows what to expect. This might include onboarding sessions, training, or meetings with key team members.
Preboarding is a powerful tool that sets the stage for a successful onboarding process. By investing in this crucial phase, your organisation can ensure that new employees feel welcomed, prepared, and ready to contribute from day one. At Matrix Recruitment, we’re here to help you refine your preboarding and onboarding strategies to create a seamless transition for your new hires.
Let’s work together to build a welcoming environment that empowers your team from the very start.
