Managers can find onboarding time-consuming, but there are ways to streamline it and make it more efficient. In addition to the strategies mentioned, I've found that using a dedicated onboarding platform can help organize and track all of the necessary steps. Also, providing new hires with a welcome packet that includes all the relevant information they need to get started can help reduce confusion and smooth the onboarding process.

Standardized Process: Create a detailed checklist that outlines every step of the onboarding process, from pre-boarding tasks to the end of the probationary period. This ensures that no critical steps are missed.

Creating a Structured Onboarding Plan, A structured plan should include timelines, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational goals. By having clear expectations set forth from the beginning, both managers and new hires will have a better understanding of what success looks like during the onboarding phase.

Onboarding can often feel overwhelming because there are many small details or steps to do in a short amount of time. This is where having a well documented process to follow, along with templates and automated systems will ease the manager overwhelm and create an amazing employee experience. Take time to build this before you need to use it and you will thank yourself when you're in the thick of it!

Onboarding is one of the most crucial but often undervalued stages in the employee lifecycle. It sets the tone for a new hire’s journey and plays a vital role in making them feel valued, excited, and ready to contribute. While the onboarding process involves many teams across the organization, the direct manager holds the greatest responsibility. It's on them to create a meaningful and efficient experience for the new hire. Preparation is key—automate what you can and personalize the rest. Make the experience about them, giving new hires the resources, support, and excitement they need to succeed and feel like valued contributors from day one.