First impressions matter.
According to BambooHR, 89% of employees who experienced effective onboarding felt more engaged at work, while 91% who received company culture training felt connected to their workplace. Additionally, 85% of employees better understood and utilized their benefits when onboarding was done right.
Onboarding is more than paperwork. It is anopportunity to make a lasting first impression, create excitement, and set the tone for success. Done right, it boosts retention, engagement, and productivity from day one.
From preboarding prep to personalized timelines, buddy programs, and virtual tours, onboarding tools help teams create seamless transitions and stronger connections, no matter the size or setup.
Source: BambooHR
Building Confidence Before Day One
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. The best onboarding journeys begin before the first day, helping new hires feel prepared, supported, and ready to contribute.
Preboarding sets the foundation by creating a welcoming and informed experience. Sending a thoughtful welcome message, sharing an engaging intro video, or providing a simple checklist can calm pre-first-day nerves. This step is about showing new hires that they are already part of the team and helping them feel connected right away.
Onboarding builds on this momentum by turning preparation into action. Clear steps, personalized timelines, and interactive tools guide employees through their first weeks. Each task is designed to create a smooth transition and remove uncertainty, so new hires can focus on connecting with colleagues and learning the ropes.
When employees feel confident and supported from the beginning, they are more likely to engage, contribute, and build lasting connections. A well-structured process helps new hires thrive and lays the groundwork for long-term success.
When new hires know what to expect, they feel more confident and ready to contribute faster.
Olympic Entertainment: Empowering New Hires to Thrive
Olympic Entertainment helps new hires stay on track with step-by-step timelines that outline tasks and milestones.
A highlight of their process is the “Introduce Yourself” step, a custom form with personal questions for new hires. Once submitted, the form is added to the OCE People Database. The HR team gets a notification, reviews the content, and can set it to visible on the Custom Cornerstone Welcome Page for all Olympic Entertainment employees. Everyone in the organization can click a “Say Hello” button to send a welcome message and help new hires feel part of the team from day one.
Creating personal connections early encourages engagement and a sense of belonging.
Virtual Tours: Bringing the Office to New Hires
Virtual office tours are a great way to help new hires explore the workspace and meet the teamwhether they are starting remotely, in a hybrid setup, or even on-site. These tours can introduce company culture, highlight key areas, and create familiarity before day one.
Tours can include:
- Interactive maps to highlight key areas and teams.
- Team introductions through video profiles and fun facts.
- Cultural highlights that showcase events, traditions, or office rituals
Exploring the office virtually creates a sense of familiarity and helps new hires feel at home, no matter where they start.
Buddy Programs: Built-in Support When It Matters Most
Starting somewhere new is easier when you know who to turn to for help. Buddy Programs pair new hires with a dedicated contact who can answer questions, share tips, and offer support during those first few weeks.
Research shows that 56% of new hires who met with their buddy at least once in the first 90 days felt it helped them quickly become productive. Frequent check-ins build confidence and create connections that last.
A Buddy Profile Card can be featured directly on the onboarding page, showing a photo, name, and contact details of the assigned buddy. This makes it easy for new hires to reach out and start building connections right away.
Source: Microsoft
A dedicated buddy can boost confidence, build connections, and speed up productivity in the first 90 days.
AAK: Building Connections with Structure
AAK supports new hires with rotating carousels that guide them through each onboarding step. Their setup includes intro videos, role-specific content, and a Buddy Profile Card that provides a clear point of contact. New hires can see their buddy’s photo, name, and contact details, making it easier to reach out and get support from day one. An FAQ section also ensures quick access to common questions and helpful resources.
Structured steps and quick access to answers help new hires feel supported and prepared from day one.
Personalized by Language, Role, and Region
No two teams are the same, and onboarding tools reflect that. Tailored content ensures that every team, role, and region gets a personalized onboarding experience . Keeping processes relevant without adding extra admin work.
- Languages: Provide localized versions for global teams.
- Departments and Roles: Show relevant forms, policies, and training paths.
- Groups: Assign specific content for countries, teams, or job levels.
Tailored content delivers the right information to the right people, keeping onboarding relevant and efficient.
Feedback That Keep the Process Human
Onboarding is not just about ticking boxes. It is about listening, learning, and improving.
Quick pulse checks like “How are you feeling today?” help measure engagement in the moment. Longer 30- or 60-day surveys capture deeper feedback and highlight areas for improvement.
Surveys make it easier to spot trends early and keep improving the process.
DKV: Highlighting Benefits That Matter
DKV focuses on providing more than just the basics. Their onboarding highlights include details about health programs, flexible working options, and development opportunities to motivate and retain employees long-term.
Putting employee well-being and growth at the center builds engagement and long-term retention.
Onboarding Check: Are You Set for Success?
Do the Check ✅
Welcome Messages – Are new hires greeted with excitement?
Buddy Profiles – Do new hires know who to turn to for support?
Timelines and Checklists – Are steps clear and easy to follow?
FAQs and Forms – Is key information quick to access?
Intro Videos – Do videos introduce your team and culture in an engaging way?
Interview Forms – Are introductions personal and easy with forms?
Company Benefits – Are health programs and development opportunities highlighted?
Virtual Tours – Do hires explore the workplace before day one?
Surveys – Are you collecting feedback to refine processes?
How Did You Score?
✔️ Checked most of the boxes? Great start, but even strong setups can be reviewed and improved to fit your goals.
❌ Missed a few? No problem. We can help improve your process.
💡 Whether it’s adding features or improving flow, we’ve got you covered.
Bringing It All Together. Turning Plans into Action
Onboarding is more than a checklist. It is the foundation for long-term success. Research proves that structured onboarding increases retention, productivity, and engagement, and with the right tools, it is easier than ever to get it right.
Ready to create an onboarding process that delivers real results? From welcome messages and buddy systems to virtual tours and interactive profiles, our tools make every first day count and help teams stay connected long after.
Get in touch, send an email, or book a meeting. We would love to explore what we can create together.
