How long does onboarding take?

Onboarding takes around three months. This is the amount of time most HR departments cite as optimal, although some claim the most beneficial onboarding can take place over the course of the employee's first year of employment.

Here are some details on the four phases of the onboarding process:

• Pre-boarding

The first phase takes place before the onboarding process begins. Pre-boarding is a new hire method that takes place before the new employee's first day, and can be accomplished by sending any new employee an email with some or all of the following contents:

• Any necessary paperwork that new hires at your company need to fill out

• The start date, time, and location for new employees

• A PDF or other file format of your employee handbook

• The schedule of the employee's first day and first week

• Any relevant usernames or passwords for company accounts that a new employee needs

• A list of items employees need for their first day, like relevant documents or other necessary information

• A document with details on the company dress code policy

• Instructions for parking and entrance into the company's building or facility

Any other company-specific information that a new hire should know before their first day should also be included in this communication.

• Welcoming new employees

This phase of onboarding can vary at different companies, but it usually contains some or all of the following elements:

• Preparing new employees' workspaces

New hires working environments should be prepared before their first day. This goes for those working in private offices, cubicles, or within an open office floor plan.

• A tour of the facilities

This can happen prior to their first day if new hires need to be in the office for any other reason, or on their first day of work. They should also be informed about any other essentials of their workspace.

• New hire orientation

This gives the new employees the chance to sign any necessary documentation, and also provides the opportunity for them to learn about the company's culture, review any organizational charts, and understand how different teams and departments collaborate.

• Introductions to coworkers and supervisors

• Role-specific training

This phase of the onboarding process sees new hires being trained for their position. They can be mentored by veteran employees or simply shadow an experienced employee. Training can vary depending on industry and role.

• Transition into the new position

The last phase of the onboarding process involves managers and/or supervisors informing the new employees of what is to be expected of them in terms of responsibilities, output, and objectives. You should also consider doing a review of their performance one month or one quarter after they begin working.