There was a time when new hire orientation meant the new employee spent a day or two in the office filling out forms, signing documents, and reading a slew of company literature and policies, many of which were outdated. We’ve come a long way, baby! The smart money now understands that, as hard as it is to find and hire good people, the onboarding process is your chance to create an awesome impression for new employees. How it goes often sets the stage for that person’s future with the company.

Notice I said onboarding “process.” That’s important, because that’s what it is—a process. We now recognize that onboarding is not just about meeting a few people, finding the restrooms, and knowing how to schedule vacation. These first few weeks and months are critical in the employee’s life cycle because this period lays the foundation for future success.