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6 min read
The process of onboarding new employees is a critical juncture in their journey with a company. It's the initial opportunity to make a lasting impression, and more and more organizations are recognizing the value of unconventional and creative approaches to ensure that first impression is a positive one. Traditional methods of onboarding often involve paperwork, compliance training, and perhaps a brief welcome. However, there is a growing shift towards embracing unique and engaging techniques to welcome, integrate, and empower new team members. This article explores 26 out-of-the-box ideas for enhancing the onboarding process, providing both a warm welcome and a strong foundation for success.
1. Welcome Celebration:
A welcome celebration is a fantastic way to kickstart the onboarding process by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for new employees. It's ideal for making new hires feel valued and excited about their role right from day one. Such celebrations are universally applicable and work in any onboarding scenario.
2. Scavenger Hunt:
A scavenger hunt is a highly interactive way to introduce new hires to the company culture and history. By engaging in a fun and challenging activity, they not only learn about the organization but also bond with their peers. This is particularly useful in creative and tech-oriented industries, where employees are more likely to embrace digital and team-building activities.
3. Cross-Training Bootcamp:
Cross-training bootcamps are highly effective in larger organizations with multiple departments. They provide new employees with a comprehensive understanding of the company's structure and encourage collaboration. By fostering strong personal ties with other employees and departments, new hires can more readily integrate into the organization. This approach is particularly valuable in large corporations with complex structures.
4. Personalized GIF or Welcome Note:
Personalized GIFs or welcome notes add a personal and welcoming touch to the onboarding process. This creative gesture not only introduces new employees to their colleagues but also builds a friendly atmosphere from the beginning. It is universally valuable and suitable for most industries where a personal touch and camaraderie are highly regarded.
5. Lunch Roulette:
The lunch roulette concept ensures new employees have the opportunity to interact with various team members by switching lunch partners the first few days, reducing initial awkwardness. This is particularly useful in companies that value informal networking and want to facilitate connections between employees, especially if a new hire is introverted or shy.
6. Questionnaire Icebreaker:
A questionnaire icebreaker is a great way to start conversations between new hires and their colleagues. By asking fun and personal questions related to their careers, it encourages employees to share unique experiences and develop camaraderie. This approach is valuable in organizations that embrace individuality and want to foster strong team dynamics.
7. First Team Event:
First team events allow new hires to make initial connections before their official start date, reducing anxiety and helping them feel more integrated when they arrive in the office. This works especially well in companies with established team events and gatherings where employees can begin building relationships before they even officially join the organization.
8. Personalized Gift Box:
Personalized gift boxes, containing local specialties and office essentials, provide a thoughtful and practical touch to the onboarding process. These are valuable in situations where new employees might be working remotely or in a different location from the main office. It helps them feel appreciated and connected to the company culture.
9. Fika/Kaffeklatsch Tradition:
The Fika or Kaffeklatsch tradition, which includes a coffee and cake date, is particularly useful in diverse and culturally rich work environments. It allows employees to share stories, traditions, and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
10. Gamification Training:
Gamification training is an excellent choice for tech companies or industries with extensive training requirements. By adding a gamification element to training, the onboarding process becomes more engaging and interactive, making it especially beneficial for tech-savvy industries where employees are open to digital engagement and innovative training methods.
11. Scheduled Lunch with Team:
Scheduled lunches with the team are a great way for new hires to meet their immediate colleagues in a relaxed setting. This is highly valuable in organizations where team dynamics and collaboration are essential to the company's success.
12. Continuous Engagement:
Continuous engagement in the form of communication between contract signing and the first day is beneficial in all onboarding scenarios. It keeps new hires engaged and excited, reducing the risk of them losing interest during the pre-start period.
13. Entry Interview:
Entry interviews are useful in companies that prioritize personalization and want to cater to individual employee needs. These interviews help organizations understand new hires' preferences and expectations, leading to a more personalized onboarding experience.
14. Video Call with Team:
Video calls with the team are particularly valuable for remote or distributed teams. They provide new employees with the opportunity to meet their team members virtually and gain an initial understanding of the company culture, which is vital for employees working from remote locations.
15. Company Swag for Family:
Including company swag for the new hire's family is a thoughtful approach that fosters inclusivity and demonstrates a family-oriented company culture. This is beneficial in situations where family involvement is mentioned during interviews or where family-oriented values are important.
16. Hardware Choice:
Offering a choice of hardware to new employees demonstrates flexibility and consideration for their preferences, enhancing their involvement and satisfaction. This approach is particularly useful in tech companies or organizations where employees have strong hardware preferences.
17. Office Tour:
An office tour, whether in person or virtual, is essential for helping new hires become familiar with their work environment and location. This is valuable in any situation where the physical workspace is important, or for remote employees visiting the office.
18. Buddy System:
The buddy system is beneficial in all onboarding scenarios, especially for easing the transition. It provides new hires with a personal point of contact for guidance and support, making the onboarding process smoother.
19. 30-Day "Point Person":
Having a 30-day "point person" to guide new hires during their first month is especially useful in companies with complex onboarding processes or a structured onboarding schedule. It ensures continuous support and guidance throughout the critical initial period.
20. Preboarding Communication:
Sending a basic schedule to new hires helps set clear expectations about what they can anticipate in the first week or two. This avoids overwhelming them with too much information upfront and is universally valuable in all onboarding scenarios.
21. First Happy Hour
Inviting new hires to join a happy hour gathering is a fantastic way to introduce them to their team and co-workers in an informal, social setting. This is useful in any company looking to expose new hires to their team and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.
22. Pre-Day Check-Ins:
Checking in with new hires three times before their first day is an excellent way to demonstrate that you're preparing for their arrival and thinking about their needs. This easy step can be seamlessly incorporated into any preboarding process to build anticipation and engagement.
23. Festive First Day:
Making the first day festive and fun goes beyond a simple desk setup. It's about creating a memorable and welcoming atmosphere that helps new employees feel valued and part of a lively workplace culture. This is beneficial in any onboarding scenario to create a positive first impression.
24. Onboarding Kit
An onboarding kit is a tangible, physical welcome package that can be mailed to new employees. It's a thoughtful gesture that can help them feel more connected to the company culture and values. This is particularly useful in remote or distributed work environments.
25. Feedback and Optimization:
Asking for feedback and optimizing the onboarding program is essential in all situations. By seeking feedback at different stages of the onboarding process, such as preboarding, day one, week one, and 90 days in, companies can continually improve and enhance the onboarding experience. This ongoing improvement process is beneficial for organizations that want to ensure their onboarding program meets employee needs and expectations.
26. Continuous Learning Blend:
Blending employee onboarding with continuous learning is a strategic approach that ensures employees remain engaged and prepared for new positions within the company. This is particularly useful for organizations aiming to boost productivity and facilitate employees' growth, especially in fast-changing industries where ongoing learning and adaptability are crucial.
By embracing creative and unconventional onboarding methods, companies can foster a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment from the very beginning. Whether it's through welcome celebrations, scavenger hunts, personalized gestures, or continuous learning, these approaches have the power to transform the onboarding process into a memorable, informative, and enjoyable experience. As companies continue to seek the best ways to engage and retain talent, investing in exceptional onboarding practices is a strategic move that pays dividends in terms of employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.