Did you know that according to Gallup, only 12% of employees completely agree that their organization is doing a great job of onboarding? That means almost 88% of companies have room to improve. The onboarding process plays a vital role in shaping an employee’s experience and setting the stage for their success within an organization. 

Yet, traditional manual onboarding methods often fall short, burdening HR teams with paperwork, data entry, and compliance challenges. The good news is that new onboarding technology is revolutionizing the way organizations bring new hires on board, eliminating manual tasks and transforming the employee experience.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at how new onboarding technology is changing the game by automating manual tasks and streamlining operations. We’ll explore the crucial phases of onboarding, the challenges faced in manual onboarding, and the remarkable benefits that employee management systems bring to the table. So, if you’re ready to discover how technology can make your onboarding process smoother, more efficient, and more engaging, let’s dive in!

What is Employee Onboarding?

Before we delve into the ways technology cuts down manual tasks in onboarding, let’s first understand what employee onboarding is all about. 

Employee onboarding is the process of welcoming new employees into an organization and providing them with the necessary tools, information, and support to become productive and engaged members of the team. 

It goes beyond paperwork and encompasses various phases that help new hires acclimate to their roles, understand company culture, and establish relationships with colleagues.

Crucial Phases of Onboarding

Effective onboarding typically consists of several key phases. These phases ensure a smooth transition for new employees and set them up for success. The phases may include:

• Pre-boarding: This phase occurs before the new employee’s official start date. It involves activities such as collecting necessary paperwork, setting up access to systems and tools, and providing introductory materials about the company.
• Orientation: The orientation phase takes place on the new employee’s first day or week. It includes introductions to team members, a tour of the workplace, an overview of company policies, and initial training on essential tools and processes.
• Training and Development: In this phase, new hires receive job-specific training and further development opportunities to build their skills and knowledge. This phase may extend over several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the role.
• Ongoing Support: Ongoing support and check-ins ensure that new employees continue to receive guidance, address any concerns, and feel supported as they settle into their roles. Regular feedback and communication are crucial during this phase.

What are the Challenges in Manual Onboarding?

Manual onboarding processes present several challenges that can hinder efficiency and effectiveness. These challenges include:

• Time-Consuming Paperwork: Traditional onboarding involves tons of paperwork, from employment contracts and tax forms to benefits enrollment materials. Manual distribution, collection, and verification of these documents are time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Data Entry Errors: Manually inputting employee information into multiple systems, such as payroll and benefits platforms, increases the risk of data entry errors and discrepancies. Correcting these errors can be tedious and resource-intensive.
• Compliance Risks: Handling sensitive employee information manually raises the risk of data breaches and non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Compliance checks and ensuring data security become challenging without proper systems in place.
• Lack of Personalization: Traditional onboarding processes often lack personalization and fail to connect new employees with the company’s culture and values. This can result in decreased engagement and retention rates.

How Does Technology Cut Down Manual Onboarding Tasks?

New onboarding technology offers innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of manual onboarding. It revolutionizes the process by automating tasks and streamlining operations. Here’s how technology cuts down manual onboarding tasks:

• Streamlining Administrative Tasks

Modern onboarding platforms allow employers to create digital onboarding packets that include all the necessary documents and forms. These packets can be sent electronically to new hires, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. Employees can complete forms electronically, reducing errors and ensuring data accuracy.

• Automated Data Entry and Integration

New onboarding technology integrates with various HR systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry. When a new employee fills out onboarding forms, the data can be automatically populated into relevant fields in different systems. This integration reduces errors, saves time, and ensures data consistency across platforms.

• Enhanced Compliance and Security

Advanced onboarding platforms provide secure storage and encryption of employee data. They offer permissions-based access, audit trails, and data backup, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or loss. Compliance checks within these platforms help HR teams ensure that required information is complete, reducing compliance risks.

• Personalized and Engaging Onboarding Experiences

New onboarding technology enables organizations to create personalized onboarding experiences. Interactive modules, videos, and multimedia content can introduce new hires to the work environment, company values, and team dynamics. Automated reminders and check-ins keep new hires engaged throughout the process, fostering a sense of belonging and a smooth transition.

Benefits of Employee Management System in Onboarding

Implementing an employee management system in the onboarding process offers several benefits, including:

• Self Onboard

With an employee management system, new hires can take charge of their onboarding journey through self-onboarding features. They can access the onboarding platform, complete necessary forms, and provide the required information at their own pace. 

This empowers new employees to take ownership of their onboarding process, ensuring a smoother and more personalized experience.

• Admin Approval

Employee management systems often include an admin approval feature, which allows HR teams to review and approve submitted onboarding information. This feature ensures that all necessary information is complete and accurate before new hires officially join the organization. 

By having this oversight, HR can maintain data integrity and compliance, providing peace of mind and a seamless onboarding process.

• Centralized Documents

An employee management system serves as a centralized storehouse for all onboarding documents. Instead of searching through stacks of paper or multiple systems, HR teams can easily access and manage all necessary documents in one place. 

This centralized approach improves document organization and reduces the risk of misplaced or lost paperwork. It also enables quick retrieval of information when needed.

Conclusion

The onboarding process is a critical step in ensuring the success and engagement of new employees within an organization. New onboarding technology revolutionizes the onboarding process by automating tasks, streamlining operations, and creating personalized experiences. It empowers new hires to take charge of their onboarding journey, provides HR teams with better oversight and control, and creates a personalized and engaging onboarding experience.

One such powerful employee management system that embodies these benefits is SalaryBox. With SalaryBox, organizations can simplify their onboarding process, eliminate manual tasks, and enhance the overall onboarding experience. SalaryBox offers a user-friendly interface, self-onboarding features, admin approval functionality, and centralized document storage, making it the ideal solution for modern onboarding needs.

So, if you’re ready to revolutionize your onboarding process and provide new hires with a seamless and engaging experience, it’s time to implement an employee management system like SalaryBox. 

Download the SalaryBox App from the Play Store and App Store, today!