The hiring process is complete, and the employment contract has been signed and finalized. Now, as an employer, you can sit back and relax. Or can you? Not quite.
People often talk about onboarding, but what happens before the first day of work is just as important: preboarding. The period between signing the contract and the first day on the job is the perfect opportunity to build a relationship, instill a sense of security, and make your new employee feel like part of the team right from the start.
For new hires, this is often a time filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. What lies ahead? How does everything work? This is your chance to shape that first impression and lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership.
In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 69% of new hires are more likely to stay for at least three years if they receive a good orientation.
Send a welcome email with the most important information
The first day at a new job always brings a mix of excitement and nervousness. Make things easier for your new colleague by sending a welcome email before they start.
Include practical details about the office, a brief introduction to the company culture, what tools are available, and an overview of the first few days. Keep it relevant, personal, and easy to understand.
Stay in touch
Even after accepting the offer, the candidate may still be open to other opportunities during the transition period. It’s easy to start comparing options, especially if you don’t get back to them.
Send updates or just check in to see how they’re feeling about the start. By building momentum and keeping the conversation going, you reduce the risk of the candidate starting to have second thoughts.
Invite people to social activities
Invite your new colleague to lunch or coffee and give them a tour of the office. This provides an opportunity to meet the team in a relaxed setting before their first day on the job. Feel free to encourage the team to connect with the new colleague—for example, via LinkedIn—and send a welcome message. That little extra touch can make a big difference in how welcome they feel even before they start.
Make the most of the time leading up to the first day. Put a little extra effort into the pre-boarding process and give your new colleague the best possible start—it will pay off in the long run.
