The first weeks.
WHY IT MATTERS
Early experience strongly affects whether someone stays and how quickly they become productive.
WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE THEY ARRIVE
The contract, signed Their workspace and equipment Accounts and access Their first week's schedule Someone assigned to help them
WHY BEFORE
Arriving to nothing prepared sets a lasting impression.
WHAT TO SEND IN ADVANCE
When and where to arrive Who to ask for What to bring What the first day involves
WHAT TO COVER IN THE FIRST DAYS
What the business does Who people are How things work here Their role and what is expected Safety and any essential procedures
WHAT TO COVER IN THE FIRST WEEKS
The detail of the work Systems they will use Who to ask about what
WHAT TO AVOID
Documentation dumps Leaving them to work it out Assuming they will ask
WHY THAT LAST POINT
New people avoid asking, to avoid appearing lost.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Offer information before it is requested, and check in deliberately.
WHAT TO COLLECT
Tax and pension details Bank details Identification Emergency contact Qualifications where relevant
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What success looks like at three months.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether the onboarding actually helped.
HOW
Ask them, after a few weeks.
