7 Onboarding tools to enhance new hire productivity

Ensuring new hires are quickly integrated and productive is critical. Every individual’s contribution significantly impacts the overall success and efficiency of the business. The onboarding process is not merely about filling out paperwork and giving office tours; it’s about equipping new employees with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to hit the ground running. Effective onboarding can reduce turnover, boost engagement, and increase productivity from day one. This article explores seven essential onboarding tools designed to enhance new hire productivity, ensuring your new employees feel welcomed, informed, and ready to contribute.

In today's competitive business landscape, attracting top talent is only half the battle for SMBs. The real challenge lies in effectively onboarding new employees to ensure they are productive and integrated into the company culture as quickly as possible. A well-structured onboarding process is crucial for setting the tone for new hires, helping them understand their roles, and aligning them with the company's goals and values. It goes beyond the initial orientation and extends into the first few months of employment, aiming to build a strong foundation for long-term success.

The significance of a robust onboarding process cannot be overstated. According to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), organisations with a standard onboarding process experience 50% greater new hire productivity and 54% greater new hire retention. These statistics highlight the direct impact that effective onboarding can have on a company’s bottom line. For SMBs, where resources are often limited and every employee’s contribution is vital, ensuring that new hires are quickly up to speed is essential.

However, many SMBs struggle with creating a comprehensive onboarding programme due to constraints in time, budget, and resources. This is where technology can play a transformative role. By leveraging the right onboarding tools, SMBs can streamline the process, making it more efficient and engaging for new employees. From Learning Management Systems (LMS) that facilitate training to communication tools that foster collaboration, these technologies can help new hires acclimate faster and perform better.

In this article, we will explore seven onboarding tools that can significantly enhance new hire productivity. These tools are designed to address various aspects of the onboarding process, from training and development to communication and performance management. By integrating these tools into your onboarding strategy, you can create a seamless and supportive experience for new employees, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to succeed from day one.

1. Learning management systems (LMS)

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a powerful tool for delivering structured training and development programs. It allows new hires to access training materials, complete courses, and track their progress at their own pace.

According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.

An LMS provides a centralised platform for all training content, making it easy for new hires to find and complete required courses. It also enables managers to monitor progress and ensure that employees are developing the necessary skills. Implementing an LMS can significantly enhance the onboarding experience, making it more engaging and effective.

Imagine having a digital library where new employees can access all the training materials they need, complete courses at their own pace, and track their progress. This structured approach ensures that new hires are well-prepared for their roles and can quickly become productive members of the team.

2. Employee onboarding software

Employee onboarding software streamlines the entire onboarding process, from completing paperwork to setting up initial training sessions. It ensures that all necessary tasks are completed in a timely manner and provides a seamless experience for new hires.

A study by the Brandon Hall Group found that organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.

This software often includes features like automated task lists, document management, and progress tracking. By reducing the administrative burden on HR and providing a clear roadmap for new hires, onboarding software ensures that employees can focus on learning their roles and integrating into the team.

Imagine an onboarding process where new hires receive a clear checklist of tasks, automated reminders to complete paperwork, and easy access to important documents. This efficient system helps new employees feel organised and supported, leading to a smoother transition and quicker productivity.

3. Collaboration and communication tools

Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for integrating new hires into the team. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom facilitate real-time communication, making it easy for new employees to ask questions, share updates, and collaborate with colleagues.

According to McKinsey, using social technologies to improve communication and collaboration can increase productivity by 20-25%.

These tools help new hires connect with their teammates, understand the company culture, and quickly get up to speed on projects. They also provide platforms for virtual meetings, which are essential for remote or hybrid work environments.

Imagine a new hire being able to instantly message their team leader with a question, join a video call for a project update, or collaborate on documents in real-time. These communication tools create an interconnected workplace where new employees can easily integrate and contribute.

4. Onboarding checklists

An onboarding checklist is a simple yet powerful tool to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to integrate a new hire effectively. It covers everything from setting up workstations to scheduling training sessions and introducing team members.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that a structured onboarding process can increase employee performance by 11%.

A comprehensive checklist ensures that no detail is overlooked and provides a clear roadmap for both the new hire and their manager. This structured approach helps new employees feel confident and supported as they transition into their new roles.

Imagine a new employee receiving a detailed checklist on their first day, outlining all the steps they need to take and what to expect in their first weeks. This organised approach helps them feel prepared and reduces the anxiety that often comes with starting a new job.

5. Performance management software

Performance management software helps track and evaluate new hire progress, ensuring that they are meeting their goals and receiving the feedback they need to improve. This software provides tools for setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, and tracking development.

According to Deloitte, companies that implement continuous performance management see a 14% increase in employee engagement and performance.

By using performance management software, managers can provide regular feedback and support to new hires, helping them stay on track and continuously improve. This ongoing evaluation ensures that new employees are aligned with company expectations and contributing effectively.

Imagine a new hire having regular check-ins with their manager through performance management software, receiving timely feedback, and setting clear goals for their development. This continuous support helps them grow and excel in their role, driving productivity and satisfaction.

6. Employee engagement platforms

Employee engagement platforms like Culture Amp or Peakon provide tools to measure and improve employee engagement from the start. These platforms collect feedback, track engagement metrics, and offer insights into how new hires are adjusting to the company.

Gallup reports that highly engaged employees are 21% more productive than their disengaged counterparts.

Using these platforms, HR can identify any issues early on and take proactive steps to address them. Engaged employees are more likely to be productive, motivated, and committed to the company’s success.

Imagine a platform where new hires can regularly share their feedback, and HR can track their engagement levels and address any concerns promptly. This proactive approach ensures that new employees feel valued and engaged, leading to higher productivity and retention.

7. Mentorship programmes

Mentorship programmes pair new hires with experienced employees who can provide guidance, support, and knowledge sharing. This personal connection helps new employees navigate the company culture and develop their skills more quickly.

A study by Sun Microsystems found that employees who participated in a mentoring programme were 20% more likely to be promoted than those who did not.

Mentors can offer valuable insights into the company’s processes, help new hires build professional networks, and provide a sounding board for questions and concerns. This relationship fosters a sense of belonging and accelerates the learning curve.

Imagine a new hire being paired with a seasoned mentor who can show them the ropes, introduce them to key team members, and offer advice on career development. This mentorship provides a supportive environment that encourages growth and productivity from day one.