Your on-boarding programme is the "moment of truth"

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

It's for this reason employee on-boarding programmes have become so important for HR practitioners and learning leaders alike - new hires need to feel welcomed and properly prepared for what lies ahead of them in their job.

During on-boarding, new employees evolve from institutional outsiders to institutional insiders, learning about the administrative and business policies of the company. These range from knowing how to apply for leave, to what the annual targets of the company are.

Ujjwal Sarao, regional talent and development director, Dentsu Aegis Network Southeast Asia, says its important to cover all the bases when formulating your on-boarding programme - from establishing their responsibilities, orienting them in their new position and familiarising them with the company culture.

“The most important element when designing your on-boarding programme is to keep your employee value proposition at the heart of your decision making process,” she says.

“An on-boarding programme is the first point of contact for any new joiners in an organisation and I would refer to it as the ‘moment of truth'.

"First impressions of a brand always make a lasting impact on the employee keeping in mind the expectations of new employees about brand values and visions.

“The other important aspect is measuring your programme’s success.”

Sarao will share more on these insights as a keynote speaker and panellist at Human Resources’ inaugural learning and development conference, Employee Effectiveness 2014 next week.

Hear from her and other senior HR leaders at this jam-packed two-day conference to find out more about establishing the right platform and welcome for your valuable talent.

Employee Effectiveness 2014 is held on 18-19 June at the PARKROYAL on Beach Road Hotel in Singapore. Please visit www.ee2014.com for more information.