Manager's Toolkit
Supervisor's Role in the On-boarding Process
| On-boarding is a major tool in successful talent management, and it is critical for successful employee integration. On-boarding is the strategic process of assimilating new employees into the organization’s culture and advancing them to the desired level of productivity as quickly as possible. The goal of successful on-boarding is a fully engaged and productive employee. The supervisor’s role in the on-boarding process is vital to the employee’s achieving an exceptional level of performance and productivity. |  |
In many organizations, the human resource staff is thought to be solely responsible for on-boarding. While the human resources role is essential, the most important connection to the organization for the new hire is the supervisor. Organizations that implement a well-managed on-boarding process including an active supervisor’s role have a significant and measurable impact on employee productivity, retention, employment brand, services, workplace safety, and future hiring.
Research shows that most employee turnover is ultimately caused by the relationship the employee has with his or her supervisor. Therefore, the supervisor should be proactive and engaged in facilitating the employee’s integration into the organization. This makes the ability to assimilate new employees a core competency of supervisors. In the early stage of the on-boarding process known as pre-boarding, the supervisor becomes the “bridge” between the new employee and the organization. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the employee understands the organizational culture and feels connected to the organization’s business strategy.
For more information on the supervisor’s role in the on-boarding process, see “On-boarding: A Process for Retaining the Best Talent” available on the DHRM Talent Management website. Please direct questions regarding on-boarding to Pat Waller.
Source: Virginia Department of Human Resources, AHRS Periodical (Vol 1, Issue 35.), page 6.