What does it mean to be an “employer of choice”? If you look at many of the employment ads for large companies, you’ll often see this term proudly bandied about alongside the company’s accolades. In a nutshell, an “employer of choice” is a company sought out by job applicants because—quite simply—it’s a great company to work for.
 
One key aspect that employers of choice have in common is a track record for successful on-boarding. “On-boarding” is a term used for providing new hires with the skills and knowledge for successful social integration into a company. Research has shown that doing so increases employee retention, job satisfaction, and performance. In today’s highly competitive, global workplace, businesses of all sizes need to have an on-boarding plan.
 
Ideally, on-boarding starts during the job interview process. An applicant should be shown around the company and made familiar with the whole environment, from their potential work-space to the cafeteria or break room. This helps a applicants envision themselves working for the company.
 

Made the Hire? Onboarding is Just the Beginning

It’s very common for a new hire to not show up on the first or second day for a number of reasons, but often because they received a better job offer elsewhere. In light of this, employers need to psychologically create a sense of obligation for the new hire by creating a relationship, and making them feel part of the team from the get-go:
 

• Welcome your new employee, provide them with a nametag, and introduce them to colleagues.
• Complete all necessary paperwork promptly, including I-9, W-4s, insurance, and emergency contact forms.
• Present the Employee Handbook and set up a time for a review of it with sign-off.
• Tour the entire facility and campus, from the lunchroom and supply closet to the restrooms, to help your new employee quickly acclimate.
• Assign a mentor for your new hire.
• Introduce your new employee at staff meetings or at one-on-one meetings. Identify “go to” people in the organization and how to contact them.

We’ll be back soon with more you can do for succeeding as an “Employer of Choice” in this competitive business world! Stay tuned for Part II.