Businesses may need to update their new hire process during this critical time

With the changing dynamics, businesses are starting to open back up which also means the workforce is starting back up as well. Businesses can look at this critical time as a fresh start.

As many of us had to reduce the workforce because of COVID, now is a great opportunity to start with a clean slate and an updated staff.

A thoughtful onboarding program has become more important than ever in today’s anxious environment of safety concerns and compliance challenges.

Crucial opportunity
Onboarding refers to “a formal process of helping new hires adjust to social and performance aspects of their new jobs quickly and smoothly,” according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

Traditionally, a comprehensive onboarding program’s objective is to deliver multiple benefits to the company. These include stronger employee performance and productivity, higher job satisfaction and a deeper commitment to the business. New hires who are properly onboarded should also experience reduced stress and an enhanced sense of career direction.

What’s more, an onboarding program allows you to be crystal clear about compliance procedures, HR policies, compensation and benefits offerings. In other words, this is a crucial opportunity for you to explain to a new hire many issues, including all the measures you’re using to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

3 parts to a program
What does a comprehensive onboarding program look like? Specifics will depend on the size, industry and nature of your company. Generally, however, an onboarding program can be segmented into three parts:

1. Preparing for the job. The onboarding process should begin before a new hire starts work. This involves steps such as discussing his or her specific acclimation needs, choosing and preparing a workspace (or introducing the platform and procedures for working remotely), and designating a coach or mentor.

2. Optimizing day one. As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” An onboarding program might involve an itemized start-date schedule that lays out everything from who will greet the new employee at the door — or who will conduct a first-day video call — to what paperwork must be completed to a detailed itinerary of meetings (virtual or otherwise) throughout the day.

3. Following up regularly. Even a great first day can mean nothing if a new hire feels ignored thereafter. An onboarding program could establish continuing check-in meetings with the employee’s direct supervisor and coach/mentor for the first 30 or 60 days of employment. From then on, interactions with the coach/mentor could be arranged at longer intervals until the employee feels comfortable.

When the time is right
Onboarding in the year 2020 and beyond involves so much more than giving new employees their marching orders. It entails helping a new hire feel safe, supported and fully informed. Contact your Rudler, PSC advisor at 859-331-1717 to help you calculate when the time is right to expand your workforce and accurately measure the productivity of workers added to your payroll.

RUDLER'S TAX MANAGEMENT & PLANNING TEAM

This week's Rudler Review is presented by Kendra Anderson, Staff Accountant and S. Gregor Lamping, CPA.

If you would like to discuss your particular tax situation, contact Kendra or Greg at 859-331-1717.

 

Rudler PSC has established a Tax Management and Planning Team, a group of professionals who specialize in tax services. These highly qualified and experienced tax specialists meet on a regular basis to discuss upcoming client engagements, current issues relating to our clients and regulatory changes. Be sure to receive future Rudler Reviews for advice from our tax experts,  sign up today !

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