Attracting top talent is just the first step for organizations. What truly sets successful organizations apart is how they nurture their new hires during those pivotal first days on the job. Building a strong relationship with new hires from the outset increases their engagement and also sets them up for long-term success.

Yet, with the demands of day-to-day responsibilities, leaders may find it challenging to provide the attention new hires need. So, how can leaders help new employees feel productive by the end of week one? Today’s guest, Carolyn Sorgenfrei, shares her expert advice on how to get new hires up and running.

Carolyn Sorgenfrei is an accomplished employee experience professional with over a decade of experience in driving culture and engagement across various industries. With a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful employee programs, she has successfully led initiatives that enhance workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and foster a sense of belonging.

In this episode, Carolyn shares why positive employee onboarding matters, not only for the new hire but for the organization. She recounts a terrible onboarding experience when she ignored blatant red flags and compares that experience with one that fostered clarity, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Carolyn describes what a good onboarding process looks like and how leaders can set their new hires up for success. She explains when leaders should check in with new hires and how to leverage their existing team to help. Carolyn leaves us with the one thing that matters most when leaders onboard new hires.

Listen in for insights on transforming your onboarding experience and nurturing lasting relationships with your team!

Key Highlights

• Positive onboarding (even for higher-level leaders) builds a long-term relationship between the new hire and the company.
• Effective onboarding = 2 times greater profits for the company
• Don’t forget – Interviews are part of the onboarding process!
• Good onboarding – when your new hires feel set up for success and feel productive.
• Leaders can prepare before their new hires start by expressing enthusiasm for them coming via email or call. Handling logistics, such as computer access, being part of the orientation process, and offering swag can all help new hires feel welcome.
• The first 44 days are the most critical to make a long-term employee out of the new hire.
• Leaders can create a checklist to onboard universal processes or delegate this to your team.
• Leaders should plan 30 minutes a day during the first week to check in. It’s ok to be annoying!

Links Mentioned

Carolyn’s LinkedIn

Curateex.com

Full Bio

Carolyn Sorgenfrei is an accomplished employee experience professional with over a decade of experience in driving culture and engagement across various industries. With a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful employee programs, she has successfully led initiatives that enhance workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and foster a sense of belonging.

Now, Carolyn is channeling her passion for creating positive work environments into her new venture, Curate EX. Through Curate EX, she partners with growing businesses to design and optimize onboarding processes, craft actionable engagement survey strategies, and develop recognition programs that empower managers and retain top talent.

When she’s not shaping the future of employee experience, Carolyn enjoys planning memorable vacations for her family, with a particular love for cruising and theme parks.