- Onboarding is a multi-faceted, strategic process that aims to smoothly integrate new hires into the company culture, equip them with the knowledge and skills to succeed, and foster a sense of belonging.
Companies can improve its retention by 82% with a great onboarding program. Thus, onboarding - that seemingly innocuous term - holds the key to unlocking your potential in a fresh role.
But what exactly does it mean? And are there better words to describe this crucial process? Buckle up, job seekers and employers alike, as we embark on a journey to unpack the meaning of onboarding and explore its synonymous companions!
What is onboarding?
Onboarding is more than a mere orientation; it's a strategic process of integrating new employees into an organization. It goes beyond the first-day paperwork and encompasses a series of activities designed to foster a sense of belonging, align individuals with organizational goals, and set the stage for a productive and satisfying tenure.
From the graph below, we can see that onboarding steeply increased in use since the 2000s.
How do we pronounce onboarding?
In American english, "onboarding" is pronounced AHN-bor-ding
In British english, "onboarding" is pronounced ON-bor-ding
These are just the standard pronunciations, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.
Synonyms: The Kaleidoscope of Onboarding
Orientation:
- Often used interchangeably, orientation introduces new hires to the organization's environment, policies, and culture.
Induction:
- This term emphasizes the process of introducing individuals to the workings of the organization and their role within it.
Integration:
- Beyond the initial stages, integration highlights the seamless blending of the new employee into the existing organizational structure.
Assimilation:
- Reflecting a cultural aspect, assimilation focuses on the absorption and understanding of the company's values and ethos.
Acclimatization:
- This term suggests the adjustment of new employees to their new work environment, much like acclimatizing to a new climate.
Familiarization:
- The process of making new hires familiar with their roles, colleagues, and overall work environment.
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