How to onboard your new employee

Employee onboarding for small business is an important process, and it starts from when you first offer your new employee the job. So how do you onboard your new employee?

How to onboard your new employee

Employee onboarding is about:

• familiarising the employee with your team and business culture,
• helping them understand their role and what is required of them, and
• helping them fit socially and professionally.

Here’s a guide to assist with the onboard of your new employee.

Pre-Onboarding Preparation

Stay in contact with your new employee before they start.

Prepare and share relevant information: gather and provide all necessary paperwork before the officially start, including:

• employment contract and new starter paperwork;
• organisational chart; and
• key business-related information.

Prepare for the first week or two:

• ensure that the new employee will have the equipment, tools and uniforms to perform their role;
• organise building access and security passes;
• systems access and login information; and
• set up their workspace or workstation.

Let the new employee know what will happen during the first week and what will be expected of them.

Arrange any training the employee will need.

Welcome and Induction

The first thing you need to do when a new employee commences, is to complete an employee induction. It’s important to have a plan in place to manage each induction to make sure you don’t miss any important information.

Introduce the new employee to:

1. • colleagues, including their manager or supervisor
   • the workplace health and safety representative, fire wardens and first aiders

Take them on a tour of your business, showing them:

1. • toilets
   • their work area – equipment, tools, machinery
   • where they can store their belongings.

Provide them with general information on your business. This may include:

1. • organisational charts
   • performance expectations and your performance management process
   • employee contacts (e.g. phone lists).

Finalise payment details, including:

1. • how and when they’ll be paid
   • completing any related forms
   • pay, allowances, tax and superannuation.

Explain employment conditions and policies, including:

1. • the relevant award or agreement and where they can get a copy
   • job description and duties
   • work hours, break times and how to record time
   • leave entitlements and how to apply for leave
   • probation periods for new staff.

Arrange training and development, including:

1. • job specific, for example, for licences or permits
   • on-the-job
   • work, health and safety (WHS)
   • workplace behaviour.

Provide the employee with:

1. • equipment
   • uniforms (if any)
   • email addresses
   • computer access details
   • security access cards.

Set expectations with the employee regarding:

1. • their role
   • responsibilities
   • business expectations

Ask the employee if they have any questions and schedule regular follow up meetings to provide feedback, address concerns, and track progress.

Remember that how to onboard your new employee is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial few weeks. It’s important to maintain open communication, provide opportunities for growth, and continuously monitor the employee’s integration and happiness within the business.

This article contains general advice. If you need specific HR advice for your small business, head to Industryus HR.