Starting a new job is exciting and stressful. Managers form first impressions that often last for an employee’s entire tenure. Often overlooked, however, is that employees also form first impressions of their work environment within the first few days. A new arrival who gets a badge at H.R. and is then sent on their way will have a very different first impression than one who is openly welcomed, properly introduced, and made to feel included from day one.
At the UCOP, we took an honest look at how new IT employees are onboarded post-H.R. and discovered that our process, while adequate, was not optimal. We formed a team to examine everything about the IT orientation process for all types of employees: full-time, contract, remote, etc. The team met weekly, interviewed stakeholders, examined existing collateral, and developed a standard, flexible, onboarding process.
The process involves five key areas: a buddy system, an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, an intro to our standard IT toolset, a high-level info packet, and enhanced logistics. This presentation walks attendees through the process of identifying strengths and weaknesses in the post-H.R. IT onboarding process, and applying the five key areas to make improvements. Attendees will receive samples of the materials given to new IT hires and of the checklists used by buddies and managers to ensure all bases are properly covered.
Have you ever started a job and been left to “just figure it out?” Have you ever seen someone new at work and thought “who is this person and what do they do?” Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit in at a new job? If so, you will want to attend this presentation and learn how to prevent these things from happening.