{"id":210629,"date":"2018-05-02T17:48:40","date_gmt":"2018-05-02T16:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letstalktalent.co.uk\/?p=210629"},"modified":"2023-03-13T16:58:18","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T16:58:18","slug":"going-the-extra-mile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letstalktalent.co.uk\/blog\/going-the-extra-mile\/","title":{"rendered":"Going the extra mile when you’re onboarding"},"content":{"rendered":"
Building on my last piece and in particular my comments on the importance of adding a personal touch to your onboarding, I thought it best to provide some real-life ideas to get you inspired.<\/p>\n
Below are 10 fun and creative examples of companies that have gone the extra mile to make sure their new starters feel valued, part of the team and generally pumped to start working. From trips abroad and breakfast with the CEO, to a silly hat and a scavenger hunt, the below examples demonstrate that regardless of your budget, its possible to create a memorable and fun onboarding process.<\/p>\n
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\nregardless of your budget, its possible to create a memorable and fun onboarding process<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The extravagant <\/strong><\/h3>\n
While some of these ideas are likely to be out of your budget, I recommend having a deep think about the feelings they are creating for employees and trying come up with your own ideas that will replicate that.<\/p>\n
Soundcloud – A trip to the headquarters<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
A trip away is always a memorable experience and a great way to get your team interacting. With a bit more to spend than many of us audio hosting giants SoundCloud kick start their onboarding in style by flying each of their new hires out to their headquarters in Berlin. An experience sure to make anyone jealous of Soundcloud employees the trip is a perfect way for new starters to learn all about Soundcloud\u2019s company culture.<\/p>\n
Twitter – Swag bag and Breakfast with the CEO<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Also aiming to create a special start for their new employees, Twitter provide a branded gift bag complete with a bottle of wine, T-shirt, Laptop sleeve and notebook. However, it\u2019s their introductory breakfast with CEO Dick Costolo and group lunch with their team (complete with cookies and champagne) that I believe to be the most standout part of their onboarding process, helping to make everyone within their camp feel like an integral part of the team.<\/p>\n
Element Three<\/u><\/strong> – Welcome kit<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n
Welcome Threes custom packed starter box is a personal favourite of mine. Thoughtful and carefully designed, their box is a perfect mixture of fun, helpful, and personal – sure to help new starters feel valued and fit right in. Their box includes a water bottle to keep employees hydrated, a map of the office, parking tips, a list of local restaurants and a personalised message from the president.<\/p>\n
Perhaps most stand out of all though is their four-week on-boarding checklist full with tasks fun and serious to help get them settled into their new company environment and values. This is complete with a mentor responsible for helping them through the onboarding period. Good job guys!<\/p>\n
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Creative and affordable<\/strong><\/h3>\n
These cheap and cheerful ideas demonstrate that even if you have a small budget, it\u2019s possible to create a memorable way to welcome new employees to the team.<\/p>\n
Perkbox <\/strong>–<\/strong> handing out goodies<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Is there a nicer job than handing out beers to colleagues on a Friday? Quite possibly not. That\u2019s why the London (finally a UK based company) employee benefit scheme designers Perkbox have incorporated the task of dreams into their onboarding. An easy route to popularity in the office, this is a great way to get newbies interacting with your team. Considering your team are set to be particularly relaxed and high spirited there is also probably no better time to have your new employee introduce themselves. If Friday beers aren\u2019t your thing, try and get them involved in another company tradition. Handing out tasty treats is great alternative.<\/p>\n
Lever – Send them a welcome Gif<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Recruitment software developers Lever came up with the unique and super fun idea of welcoming each of their new employees with a personalised Gif to be sent to their new starter before their arrival. By involving current employees in the process and the Gif itself they are able to demonstrate their team spirit, fun work environment and show how excited they are for the new candidate to join.<\/p>\n
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Google – Place them in the limelight <\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Despite their huge budget to spoil new starters rotten, it\u2019s Google\u2019s Noogle hat which stood out to me in their onboarding. As well as showing their playful side, and giving new employees something to show their friends the hat makes sure they stand out in the office. This gives all of their team the chance to welcome them to the team and give them a helping hand if needed.<\/p>\n
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Karmarama \u2013 Tell a funny story<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Taking things a step further, London based advertising agency Karmarama have each of their newbies stand up and tell a funny story to their new coworkers. While this might seem a little harsh at first, there\u2019s no doubt that it\u2019s a great way to break the ice and keep the first day nice and light hearted. If you are going to do this, I\u2019d recommend giving your new starter a heads up before the day. <\/strong><\/p>\n
M&C Saatchi Mobile – Core values welcome box<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
While any gift is sure to please new employees, if you want to create a lasting impression and assimilate new starters to your brand it\u2019s important to consider how your presents relate to your key principles. Fully recognising this M&C Saatchi Mobile has carefully chosen each of their items to reflect their seven core values. The box includes a camera tripod (fun), clay (original), grow-your-own-plant kit (persistence), multi-charger (diverse), playing cards (daring), customized map of local area (curious), and a glossary of mobile terms (straightforward).<\/p>\n