Onboarding: A Critical Element in Strategic Talent Management

What is Onboarding?

A well managed and streamlined Onboarding program is a critical component of every progressive organization's talent management strategy. Onboarding is the initial process of assimilating new-hires into an organization. In addition to equipping new-hires with the tools necessary to succeed in their new position, a successful Onboarding Program provides new-hires with the resources to become fully engaged and culturally aware members of a productive workforce.

When Does an Onboarding Program Begin and End?

Strategic Talent Management begins with a well managed Onboarding Program. Onboarding starts with the extension of an offer and ends when the new-hire is classified as a fully functioning employee. Employee retention and satisfaction are influenced before a new-hire even walks into your building; studies have shown that organizations that provide new-hires with easy access to forms and employment information prior to the first day of work benefit from enhanced employee retention, productivity, and overall satisfaction. A well-managed Onboarding Program uses a comprehensive Onboarding Portal to provide new-hires with online access to company information, tax forms and policies before they even start work. The length of an Onboarding Program varies from organization to organization and depends heavily on the complexity of the job responsibilities. A standard Onboarding Program is three - six months long; it is beneficial to view this process as the first step of a detail- oriented employee support and mentorship program.