Importance of On Boarding Process for New Hires

How many of us think it is important to assist new hires once they join our company? How many of us explain to new hires our company culture? How many of us set goals and objectives in the first six months for new hires? How many of us explain to new hires how decisons are made in our company? How many of us have been told by our employees that the first year of employment was a difficult transition and there were times they thought about resigning?

One way to address these questions/concerns is to establish a formal "on boarding " process in your company.  A process could include the following:

1. A mentor or buddy that can help answer any questions about the company culture, how decisions are made, how their boss makes decsions, etc.
2. A formal plan for the first 30, and 60 days that allows for a smooth transition into the company.
3. Meeting with their new staff,especially if they manange people,  one on one during the first two weeks.
4. Formal goals and objectives for the first year after the first 60 days of employment.  
5. If their superviisor be sure to meet with the new employee once every 2 weeks to understand issues, concerns, and how best to ensure their success.
6. Change the initial goals and objectives especially if they don't fit the needs of the business.
7. During annual performance review ask the employee what could have been done better during the first year to have assisted with their tranistion.