According to a recent article by Fortune, 80% of new hires who receive poor onboarding plan to quit. In the past, I came across the idea of treating new employees like guests arriving at a party already in progress. Just like a guest arriving at a party in progress, it’s essential to make them feel welcome and involved right away.
Here are six transformational tips on how to improve your onboarding experience for new BCBAs and RBTs. These apply to any business or position, and will turn your onboarding into a celebration of their arrival:
Personalized Welcome: Kick off the onboarding with a warm welcome message and a personalized gift for every new hire. It is a small gesture that speaks volumes about your appreciation for their unique contribution to the team. You can also give them company shirts as onboarding gifts.
Icebreaker Activities: To ensure your new team members feel comfortable, host activities where they can get to know their colleagues in a fun, relaxed setting, such as a scavenger hunt. This helps them build connections, making their integration smoother and more enjoyable.
Party Food (aka “The Onboarding Menu”): Just as a party host provides a variety of food, you can offer a diverse “menu” of onboarding sessions, workshops, and training tailored to the unique needs of your new members. This allows them to choose what they need to succeed, fostering a sense of autonomy and empowerment.
Dance Partners: Pair each new hire with a seasoned mentor or “dance partner” who provides guidance and support throughout their first 90 days. This partnership is essential in helping them navigate the company culture and processes, making it a more enjoyable and less overwhelming experience.
Open Mic: it is crucial to provide a platform for new teammates to voice their thoughts and questions. Host regular Q&A sessions where they can gain insights and learn from the experiences of more tenured team members.
Thank You Notes: Finally, ensure your new members know they are valued and appreciated. Always celebrate their achievements and milestones, reinforcing the message that they are essential members of your team.
Treating your new employees like cherished guests at a party can significantly improve their onboarding experience, leading to higher employee satisfaction, increased retention, and a more cohesive team. Let’s raise a toast to celebrate our new members and make their transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Contact jing@CoreActionConsult.com to help you create an onboarding process that will help ensure new employees feel welcome and get off to a good start!
