024: Onboarding Employees in Today’s Environment: Best Practices, with James Christie and Ramahn Ritchie - a podcast by Rob Fonte

One of the most important responsibilities that a manager has is onboarding. It's a huge investment for any organization in terms of time and resources, and it’s an even bigger investment by leaders as it is their job to make sure new hires are positioned for the best possible chance to succeed and grow.

In this episode, I talk with James Christie and Ramahn Ritchie, two tenured professionals from different industries, about best practices for onboarding new and/or transferring employees in today’s environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Before you review the onboarding checklist with your new hire, take the time to share your management style, what they can expect from you, and ask what expectations they may have of you 
• Inform internal stakeholders of the onboarding plan and timelines for engaging your new employee
• Sequester your employee for at least the first 30 days. This gives them time to get up to speed before getting involved in their responsibilities
• Make sure they understand how to use technology (virtual platforms, equipment, etc.) 
• Texting has become an effective way of communicating and keeping in touch with new employees
• Onboarding virtually still requires the same basic elements as onboarding in-person:
• Invest the time to map out an onboarding plan
• Set expectations and be very intentional 
• Share the company mission and vision, the org chart, etc. 
• Hold weekly touch points, but make them aware that you are always available to answer questions
• Provide them with peers to reach out to for questions  
• Lastly, remember onboarding is all about helping people become prepared and feeling welcomed

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