Preboarding

What is preboarding?

Preboarding is all the steps a company takes to set new hires up for success prior to their first day on the job after the job offer is accepted. It is often considered a stage of both the hiring process and the onboarding process. Preboarding activities can include sending essential paperwork and administrative tasks out to new employees, providing welcome communications, sending out company apparel and other branded merchandise, and completing educational activities, like reading the employee handbook.

Example: As part of their preboarding, we welcomed our new hire to the team by introducing them to important team members via email before their first day.

Preboarding benefits and strategies   

Besides the application and interview process, preboarding is the only introduction to your company’s culture that a new employee will receive prior to their first day. Because of this, it’s a prime opportunity to set a positive tone, generate excitement, and reduce any confusion or concern about the new job. 

Ultimately, a strong preboarding process allow a new team member to get more value out of their first week, month, or even year in a new role. It can contribute to increased employee engagement and retention by strengthening company culture and relationships, even before an employee’s first day.

To create a successful preboarding program, focus on ways to keep new hires engaged before they’ve started their new role. Consider virtual training opportunities that allow new hires to interact with key materials and resources, as well as with each other.