Is Your Interim Onboarding Quick and Seamless?

What Exactly is Onboarding?

Onboarding is the process of incorporating and integrating new employees into an organization, helping them understand their role, introducing them to the team, and becoming part of the company culture.

Onboarding is often seen as a lengthy process full of paperwork and training sessions, but it doesn’t have to be.  At a time when competition for senior living talent is fierce, a quick and seamless onboarding process can be a game-changer. It’s not just about getting people started; it’s about setting them up for success from day one and making them feel like a valued part of the team.

Why Quick and Seamless Onboarding Matters:

– Boosts Employee Engagement from Day One

A quick and seamless onboarding process helps new hires feel engaged and connected to their team and the organization right away. When the onboarding experience is smooth, employees can focus on learning and building relationships rather than getting bogged down by paperwork or procedural delays. This early engagement often translates into higher job satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity.

– Reduces Time to Productivity

When onboarding is efficient, new hires can contribute to the team more quickly. Clear guidance, relevant training, and early introductions allow them to understand their roles and responsibilities, pick up the required skills, and start making meaningful contributions sooner. This saves time and resources for the company and enables teams to run at full strength faster.

– Creates a Positive First Impression

First impressions are lasting, and onboarding is often the first in-depth interaction a new hire has with an organization. A seamless experience shows that the company is organized, values employee experience, and respects people’s time. This positive first impression can build trust and set the stage for a great working relationship, while a complicated or chaotic onboarding process might make them second-guess their decision to join.

 
Steps to Create a Quick and Seamless Onboarding Process

– Prepare Ahead of Time

A seamless onboarding process starts well before the new hire’s first day. Stay in constant communication to assist your new hire with making the transition to a new job. Send any company info and papers needing signatures via electronic signature, ahead of time. Set up accounts and organize training materials in advance. These steps will help to avoid unnecessary delays.  

– Automate Where Possible

Automated onboarding software can save time for both HR teams and new hires, freeing everyone up to focus on personal interactions and learning rather than paperwork.

– Express Warm Welcome

Send your new hire a welcome aboard video from their hiring manager or team. Also, highlight your commitment to them by sending a welcome kit or basket with goodies and promotional items such as company pens, coffee mugs and shirts, etc. 

– Offer Clear Roadmap

Outline a clear onboarding roadmap that includes key tasks, introductions, and training schedule for the first week or month. This roadmap can help new hires understand what to expect.

– Assign Mentor or Coach

Create connections by pairing your new hire with a mentor or “onboarding buddy”. This is a simple way to make the transition smoother. Having a go-to person for questions and support allows new hires to get comfortable quickly, encourages relationship-building, and provides guidance on company culture and expectations.

– Gather Feedback and Continuously Improve

Ask for feedback from new company hires regarding their candidate experience and onboarding experience. Use their insights to continuously refine the process.

Should You Onboard Interim Talent? Absolutely! 

When companies think of onboarding, it’s typically in the context of full-time, permanent hires. But what about interim talent? it’s actually just as critical for Senior living and long-term care organizations to onboard their interim hires properly before their start date.   

Interim talent can bring immediate value to your organization, especially during periods of transition, growth or unexpected challenges. 

Why Onboard Interim Talent?  

-Integration

Orienting interims to your company policies and procedures help them to integrate faster.

-Specialized Expertise

Many interim professionals bring years of experience and are highly skilled in addressing specific challenges or implementing changes.

-Flexibility & Speed

They can adapt quickly, helping organizations avoid downtime or operational delays.

-Cost-Effective Solutions

Interim talent can be a cost-effective alternative to overburdening existing staff or making hasty permanent hires.

-Fresh Perspectives

Their outsider status allows them to identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions without organizational biases.

How to Onboard Interim Talent Effectively: 

-Clarify Expectations

Define their roles, goals & timelines. Plus, provide a detailed job description or project scope to set clear expectations.

-Provide Context

Share an overview of your organization’s culture, mission & challenges. 

-Streamline the Process

Focus on the immediate essentials and equip them with the tools necessary so they can hit the ground running. 

– Assign a Point of Contact

Designate a team member to act as a liaison for questions and support.

– Communicate Regularly 

Set regular check-ins to ensure alignment and address any challenges promptly. 

-Focus on Results

Interims are often project-oriented, so monitor the outcomes regularly and provide feedback often. 

Onboarding both permanent and interim senior living professionals is a critical process that sets the foundation for an organization’s success. 

For more information regarding onboarding or interim coverage, contact us at 727-526-1294 / www.medbest.com/client/

About MedBest

MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living / Long Term Care Industry. For more than two decades, we have connected senior living / long term care organizations with exceptional senior living executive talent for both permanent and interim roles. MedBest was named as a Top 10 Interim Services Provider 2023! In addition, we were one of American’s top companies by Inc.5000 and a Tampa Fast 50 Company in 2021! MedBest is a member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), National Investment Center for Senior House (NIC), and American Staffing Association (ASA). Contact MedBest at 727-526-1294.

Katie Piperata, NHA, MBA, CPC, Interim Solutions and Leadership Development Trainer, leads MedBest’s Interim Solutions Division. As a seasoned executive in senior living, she understands the industry and has mastered the art of developing and matching top interim leaders with Senior Living organizations in need of short-term coverage.

One of the attributes which has allowed Katie to help turn MedBest into such a successful recruiting firm, is that she has an extensive background in the Senior Living industry. Katie has been a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and an Executive Director of a five-star rated long-term care facility where she was repeatedly recognized for her achievements. Katie has also formalized procedures that have advanced MedBest within the health care recruiting world.

Katie is certified in the DISC/Motivators Success Insight Practitioner Program, a world-renowned program that qualifies her to interpret behavioral assessments that help clients avoid the pitfalls of an unsuccessful hire. Along with that credential, Katie has been recognized by the National Association of Personnel Services as being an expert in employment laws and how they relate to the day-to-day functioning of the search and staffing professional.