Employee engagement is like the glue that holds the team together.
Research from Clear Company suggests a notable connection between employee retention and engagement.
This means that starting strong with your new team members can really make a difference.
Think about it: a strong start means your new hires feel supported and valuable and understand their role and the impact they can have. That kind of positive beginning sets the tone for their whole experience. It’s about giving them the best start possible, so they’re more likely to stick around and be happy in their jobs.
In this blog, we define IT onboarding, its objectives, how to create one and finally share our own template that you can use right now.
IT onboarding is the process of introducing new employees to your company's technology environment. It involves not just setting up their work computers and providing login credentials but also educating them on software, networks, and IT policies. The goal is to get your new hires up and running efficiently and make them feel comfortable and capable with the tools they will use daily.
Think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your tech-savvy new team members.
Giving a thorough orientation on everything from hardware devices like printers and monitors to software apps and cybersecurity measures ensures that they won’t just survive but thrive.
Beyond the basics, it's also about creating a welcoming digital environment, helping your new hires to connect with their team and understand the tech tools available that they’ll come to rely on every day.
While it might seem like setting up tech is a straightforward task, the true objectives of IT onboarding go much deeper than that. This process aims to:
Starting a new job can be stressful, and first-day jitters are common. A structured IT onboarding helps alleviate these feelings by ensuring everything is set up and ready to go. This can include configuring their computer, email, and access to necessary tools before they even arrive. When employees don't have to worry about these details, they can focus more on integrating into the team and their roles.
Speed up the integration process by quickly familiarizing the newbies with the organizational culture and their specific job functions. Clear explanations about using software, understanding IT support protocols, and how to handle common troubleshooting can support their success swiftly. By moving past the basic IT setup, you pave the way for a comfortable and confident start.
IT onboarding encourages new hires to interact with colleagues and superiors right from the start. This interaction not only helps them get to know their team but also shows them how technology can ensure collaboration.
Participating in team meetings, accessing shared files, and contributing to projects using company tools are all examples of how IT onboarding leads to greater inclusion in the workforce.
Here are a few pointers to help you create an effective IT onboarding checklist:
A well-structured IT onboarding checklist can guide IT managers and teams through a comprehensive and streamlined onboarding cycle. Let’s explore what elements are essential:
Need a headstart? Here’s a quick checklist you can adapt according to your specific IT department's needs.
Enhance your onboarding experience with Workwize, the optimal solution for IT managers handling multiple onboarding sequences.