{"id":130223,"date":"2023-08-08T16:49:19","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T08:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zegal.com\/?p=130223"},"modified":"2024-01-12T09:21:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T01:21:16","slug":"7-challenges-of-onboarding-new-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zegal.com\/en-gb\/blog\/post\/7-challenges-of-onboarding-new-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Challenges of Onboarding New Employees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A streamlined onboarding process<\/a> is one of the critical HR roles. Welcoming new employees and incorporating them into the work environment is vital. A company that leaves fresh recruits to their own devices will unlikely see good things emerge from such an approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenges start piling up from day one, especially if multiple people are joining the team simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A proper onboarding strategy reduces potential problems. And one of the best ways to prepare this strategy is by knowing what challenges to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two confident business man shaking hands during a meeting in the office, success, dealing, greeting and partner concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Image by snowing<\/a> on Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>1. Information overload<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with information overload. Even for a relatively simple position, it can be daunting when you join a company and get bombarded with various things you need to know. And the information might come from multiple people in your department, as well as the higher-ups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to absorb so much, and the attempt leaves one in disarray. HR has to prepare a plan and ensure that there is a drip of information the new employee absorbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colleagues should also help in this regard, showing the ins and outs while answering work-related questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>2. Too much paperwork<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork is another example of a challenge. Contracts, resources, and documents that require a signature can become endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, it is more common to rely on document digitization<\/a>, though many companies still keep paper copies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to reduce the issue is to submit the paperwork in advance during the preboarding. At least a part of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilizing an HR\/HCM software like Workday is another great way. This could simplify the whole onboarding experience, including the paperwork. However, if you’re new to this platform, seeking help from a trusted Workday consulting<\/a> firm is highly recommended to get the most out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spreading the paperwork between accepting the job and joining the company should be enough to minimize the paperwork cluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>3. Lack of the necessary equipment<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sitting down in front of your desk and getting ready for work only to realize that something is missing must be something every employee wants to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onboarding involves familiarizing recruits with their workplace and introducing them to the tools they will have at their disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine how rough dealing with a slow Wi-Fi connection is. Or what about not providing enough basic things, like copy paper?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone might also need to get used to a new setup. For example, as a long-time MS Windows user, you will need to get used to macOS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figuring out the access clipboard (copy-paste) history on Mac<\/a>, keyboard shortcuts<\/a>, Spotlight search, text expansion, and AirDrop are a few examples. And it would be a similar experience for Mac users who swap to MS Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should a company get a computer that a new employee is comfortable and familiar with? It depends on the available resources, but the ultimate challenge to overcome is ensuring your workers have what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>4. Unclear roles<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lack of role clarity puts recruits in an awkward position. They receive vague instructions about what to do and are expected to carry out the tasks without any or very little interference from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people thrive without supervision, but companies should implement micromanagement roles to guide inexperienced employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once one settles in, they will understand their role more clearly. But until then, it is necessary to support employees via a one-on-one check-in or personalized employee training and development<\/a>\u00a0programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the founder of Online Solitaire<\/a>, a game cherished by millions, Holger Sindbaek faced unique challenges with his remote, lean team. He says \u2014 “When we were just starting out, resources were tight, and every team member was crucial. We operated remotely, which added another layer of complexity. I quickly realized the importance of crystal-clear roles. It wasn’t just about avoiding overlap but about ensuring each person knew their value and contribution to our collective goal. We held regular virtual meetups where roles and expectations were discussed openly. This approach not only streamlined our workflow but also built a strong, cohesive team, each member empowered and aware of their impact on our success.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>5. Not enough feedback<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Post-onboarding feedback offers an opportunity to improve pain points for future new hires. Fresh experiences about what went wrong and how things can be improved can be a lifeline for HR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Administering a post-onboarding survey to collect feedback provides insight. It is up to the human resources department to ask the right questions, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n