Pre-boarding
Pre-boarding refers to the series of actions taken between the time a candidate accepts a job offer and their first day of work.
Goal
The goal of pre-boarding is to make the transition into the new role as smooth and welcoming as possible, reducing first-day anxieties and accelerating the time it takes for new hires to become productive members of the team.
Context
A Gartner study in 2022 found that 44% of people have backed out after accepting a job offer. Pre-boarding can help reduce this by keeping new hires engaged and excited about their new role before they start.
Inputs
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome Communications | Personalised messages or calls from the team and leadership welcoming the new hire to the company. |
| Information Packets | Documents providing important information about the company, team, projects, and what to expect on the first day. |
| Online Onboarding Portals | Digital platforms where new hires can complete administrative paperwork, learn about company policies, and start training modules. |
| Meet and Greet Sessions | Informal virtual or in-person meetings with future team members and key stakeholders to build relationships before starting. |
Outputs
| Artifact | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in Job Offer Retractions | New hires feel engaged and excited about their new role before their start date and are less likely to back out. | Reduces first-day anxieties and increases retention rates. |
Anti-patterns
- Overwhelming New Hires: Bombarding new hires with too much information or too many tasks can be overwhelming and create a negative first impression.
- Lack of Engagement: Failing to engage with new hires between the offer acceptance and start date can lead to disconnection and second thoughts.
- Neglecting Team Introduction: Not introducing new hires to their team before they start can slow down team integration and affect early dynamics.