Did you know that 30% of companies surveyed have experienced resignations between the signing of the contract and the first day of work? The preboarding phase is crucial for ensuring that new hires feel confident and excited about joining their new employer. To help you avoid any pitfalls during your company's preboarding phase, we have put together a few tips.

What is preboarding?

Preboarding is the first phase of the multi-stage onboarding process. It begins after the employment contract is signed and ends after the new employee's first day. During this time, a company can start building a connection with the new hire, for example, by sending a welcome package, connecting on social media, or inviting them to a team event before they officially start.

Preboarding ideas

For instance, if there is a company event coming up before the employment contract begins, inviting the new hire is a great way for them to meet their future colleagues in advance. Furthermore, the time before the start date should be used to handle all formalities, such as submitting and signing documents. This allows everyone to focus on other things on the first day, making the start more relaxed for both sides.

The preboarding phase concludes with the preparation of the employee's workspace. Additionally, the employee should be introduced to the office premises and their colleagues. Once these steps are complete, the onboarding phase begins.

Preboarding measures

• Employees receive a welcome package before their first day

→ e.g., including a company brochure, information on professional development opportunities, internal company perks, and much more.

• Welcome letter from the HR department / video from management (general or personalized)
• Invitation to team events before starting at the company
• Connecting on social media channels before starting at the company
• Get a head start on administrative tasks – have them register for necessary tools, etc.
• Answer questions before they even need to be asked (working hours, dress code, parking, directions, food, breaks, points of contact)
• Organizational chart for support

Preboarding checklist

• Send emails to new hires as well as current employees
• Handle all formalities (signing the employment contract, submitting documents, ensuring all important documents and information are available, e.g., tax ID, health insurance, bank details, etc.)

Preboarding phase

• Prepare the employee's workspace
• Warm welcome to the office and office tour
• Introductions between employees and employers

→ Onboarding process begins (Meet the Teams and CEO)

What happens after preboarding?

Following a successful preboarding phase, the onboarding phase begins. Depending on the company and the complexity of the role, this lasts between one and six months. The focus during this phase is on training and integrating the employee into the company. Once this phase concludes, the onboarding process seamlessly transitions into the postboarding phase. This phase focuses on continuous learning within the company, fostering culture, and making any necessary adjustments to job responsibilities.

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