The Employee Onboarding Dilemma
In all beginnings dwells a magic force. This well-known quote by the German-Swiss poet and novelist Herman Hesse that is often used by politicians in their inaugural speeches can also be used in reference to employee onboarding processes. The magic the new employees experience during their first working days determines their well-being as well as their retention and is also decisive for the way they adjust to the new workplace. This much is true: Structured employee onboarding processes require time. In hotel businesses, however, time is always lacking which is in part due to personnel shortage. Does this supposition still apply in today’s modern world though? Can a digital employee onboarding process ensure more efficiency?
5 ways in which Digital Communication tools improve the Onboarding Process
When it comes to onboarding processes, digital communication tools can be used to train new employees in a structured and efficient manner. When speaking of digital communication tools, we don’t mean free apps which result in the next family trip ending in chaos. We refer to digital platforms with tools that are tailored to meet the specific needs of hotel teams and ensure goal-oriented communication as well as efficient work processes. This way, additional responsibilities, such as the onboarding of new team members, can be managed next to the daily work routine without unnecessarily working overtime. In the following, we want to point out five reasons, why it makes sense to use digital tools in the employee onboarding process:
Reason No. 1: Availability in App format generates Trust
In our digital age, apps have become the constant companions in our everyday life’s. Nowadays, basically everyone, no matter if young or old, is familiar with their usage. Digital platforms that are available in app format usually stand out due to their user-friendliness and intuitive application. This generates trust, especially regarding the young employees. When it comes to employer-branding, it is especially young people who prefer workplaces that use digital tools.
Reason No. 2: Digital checklists ensure Structure and Standardization
Especially when several people are involved in the onboarding process, there is a risk that not all new team members will be familiarized with the SOPs in the same way. By using digital tools, the employee onboarding process can be depicted in the form of a checklist. This does not only ensure structure, but standards are also communicated without misunderstandings. Furthermore, digital tools offer the possibility to define time frames regarding the completion of checklist points for the new team members as well as for the coworkers overseeing the onboarding process.
Reason No. 3: Information is easily retrievable
If the digital tool is also available on smartphones and other devices, the information that is needed for the onboarding process is accessible at any time and from anywhere. This allows for any uncertainties that employees might experience during an already demanding start, to be clarified at home. The digital tools also provide good support at the new workplace as all information can be looked up by the new employees which means that coworkers that are busy taking care of the daily operations don’t need to be disturbed. Moreover, employees that work remotely or in other branches can also be included in the onboarding process. This ensures a standardized onboarding process regardless of company, branch and national borders.
Reason No. 4: Well-structured Onboarding Process ensures Employee Retention
Employees who receive clear and structured training from day one, feel more comfortable at their new workplace. Moreover, digital onboardings enable new team members to consult digital checklists and articles in order to clarify any uncertainties. The fact that there is no need for a coworker to be present to help, naturally also saves a lot of time. The autonomy that the new team members enjoy strengthens their independence, own initiative and self-confidence. Furthermore, digital tools offer countless possibilities to strengthen team cohesion (buddy system, walking quizzes through the office, introducing new employees to the rest of the team via a message). This also strengthens employee retention.
Reason No. 5: Part of the team right from the start
The use of digital tools enables new employees to familiarize themselves with all the SOPs at the new workplace from day one: This way, you are in the picture about everything that is going on and know all the tasks that are currently pending in your department. If it’s possible to prioritize the tasks, it is also immediately clear which tasks need to be carried out urgently. This enables the new employees to be on the same page as their coworkers and feel as part of the team, even as newbies.
Improve your onboarding processes with the help of hotelkit!
About the author
Michael Santner
Narratives about impoverished poets during his studies encouraged him to follow his passion in a secure job. In hotelkits marketing he takes care of packing the numerous ideas of his colleagues into exciting stories.
