What does "onboarding" mean in the context of HR?

Onboarding refers to the process of integrating new employees into an organization. This typically involves a series of activities designed to introduce new hires to the company culture, policies, and expectations, as well as to facilitate their adaptation to their new roles. Effective onboarding can significantly enhance employee engagement, improve retention rates, and contribute to overall job satisfaction. It often includes orientation sessions, training programs, and mentoring to ensure that new employees feel welcomed and empowered to perform their tasks successfully from the outset.

Understanding onboarding is crucial for HR professionals because it sets the tone for the new employee's experience and can impact their long-term success within the organization.