Pre-boarding
What is Preboarding?
Preboarding Definition
Preboarding is the series of steps that an employee takes from the moment they decide to accept the job offer and their first day of work in their new position.
Preboarding vs. Onboarding: Key Differences
Onboarding starts on the first day of any new hire’s work. Typically, they will receive a series of cybersecurity assessments, technology checks, and software runs to make sure everything is up-to-date and compliant. Preboarding is the group of all the actions that happen before day 1 of work.
Preboarding Best Practices
- Send personalized welcome emails
- Provide clear information about the first day
- Offer access to necessary tools and resources
- Introduce the team
- Encourage early engagement through online training or culture-building activities
Preboarding Checklist Example
- Mandatory paperwork and admin details
- Welcome package and introduction to company culture
- Workstation setup
- Mentorship opportunities
- Share the company handbook
Related Terms
Employee Onboarding
is the process of integrating new hires into an organization by providing them with the tools, resources, and information needed to succeed in their roles.
Candidate Experience
refers to a job candidate’s interactions with a company and its hiring process.
Employee Lifecycle
are seven stages through which employees go through in their time with an organization: attraction, recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, offboarding, exit and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions on Preboarding
Why is preboarding important?
Preboarding helps new employees feel welcomed and prepared for their first day. It reduces anxiety, ensures necessary documentation is completed early, and helps employees hit the ground running on day one.
What should be included in preboarding?
Multiple steps should be taken with preboarding: filling out employment forms, learning about company policies, and receiving an introduction to team members. It may also involve setting up their workspace and providing initial training resources.
Who’s responsible for preboarding in the organization?
Preboarding is typically conducted by the HR department, often with the hiring manager. HR oversees the completion of paperwork, benefits enrollment, and scheduling initial training, while the hiring manager may introduce the new employee to the team and company culture before they start.
Can preboarding be done remotely?
Preboarding typically lasts a few days to a week before an employee’s start date. The duration depends on the company and the complexity of the tasks that need to be completed ahead of time.