Onboarding new employees is a crucial process that sets the tone for their entire journey with your company. While traditional onboarding often focuses on paperwork and basic training, incorporating feedback into this process can significantly enhance the experience for both new hires and the organization. Let’s explore some easy and effective ways to make feedback an integral part of your onboarding process.
Before we dive into the strategies, it’s important to understand why feedback during onboarding is so valuable. A study by Brandon Hall Group found that organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. By incorporating feedback, you can further amplify these benefits.
1. Start with a Welcome Survey
Begin the feedback process even before the new hire’s first day. Send a brief survey asking about their expectations, any concerns they might have, and what they’re most excited about. This not only shows that you value their input but also helps you tailor the onboarding experience to their needs.
2. Implement Daily Check-ins
During the first week, conduct brief daily check-ins with new hires. These can be quick 5-10 minute conversations or simple digital check-ins. Ask how they’re feeling, if they have any questions, and if there’s anything they need help with. This regular communication helps new employees feel supported and gives you immediate feedback on their onboarding experience.
Tools like TeamBotic can be incredibly helpful for these daily check-ins. Its Pulse Check feature allows new hires to quickly share how they’re feeling and add any notes, giving managers real-time insights into the onboarding process.
3. Assign an Onboarding Buddy
Pair each new hire with an experienced employee who can serve as their onboarding buddy. This buddy can provide informal feedback, answer questions, and offer insights that might not be covered in formal training. Encourage regular check-ins between the buddy and the new hire, fostering a culture of open communication from day one.
4. Conduct Weekly One-on-Ones
Schedule weekly one-on-one meetings between the new hire and their direct manager for the first month or two. These meetings provide a dedicated time for two-way feedback. The manager can offer guidance and support, while the new employee can share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving the onboarding process.
5. Use 30-60-90 Day Plans with Feedback Loops
Create a 30-60-90 day plan for each new hire, outlining goals and expectations for their first three months. Build in regular feedback checkpoints at the end of each period. This structure provides clear benchmarks for progress and opens up natural opportunities for both giving and receiving feedback.
6. Implement Peer Feedback Early
Introduce new hires to the concept of peer feedback early in their tenure. This can be done through team projects or collaborative tasks where team members are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to each other. TeamBotic’s Team 360 feature can be particularly useful here, allowing for regular, structured peer feedback that helps new hires integrate into the team culture.
7. Encourage Self-Reflection
Prompt new hires to reflect on their own performance and experiences. This can be done through guided questions or journaling exercises. Self-reflection helps employees become more aware of their strengths and areas for improvement, making them more receptive to external feedback.
8. Utilize Digital Feedback Tools
Leverage technology to make feedback collection easier and more consistent. Platforms like TeamBotic can streamline this process by integrating feedback mechanisms directly into tools employees use daily, like Slack. This reduces friction and encourages more frequent, honest feedback.
9. Create a Feedback-Friendly Culture
From day one, emphasize the importance of feedback in your organization. Make it clear that feedback is not just welcomed but expected. Share examples of how feedback has led to positive changes in the company to illustrate its value.
10. Gather Feedback on the Onboarding Process Itself
At the end of the onboarding period, collect comprehensive feedback from new hires about their onboarding experience. Use this information to continually refine and improve your onboarding process for future employees.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create a feedback-rich onboarding process that benefits both new hires and the organization. Regular feedback during onboarding helps new employees feel valued, accelerates their integration into the team, and provides valuable insights for improving your onboarding process.
Remember, the goal is to make feedback a natural, ongoing part of the employee experience from day one. Tools like TeamBotic can play a crucial role in this, offering easy-to-use features for pulse checks, peer feedback, and ad-hoc feedback logging. By leveraging such tools and implementing these strategies, you can create an onboarding process that not only welcomes new hires but also sets them up for long-term success and engagement within your organization.