Best Practices for New Employee Onboarding
Welcoming new colleagues warmly is essential for a positive onboarding experience at Mason. Here are some top practices and resources from HR professionals across our campus:
Prepare and Welcome the New Hire: Send a detailed welcome email before their first day, including parking recommendations, start/end times, and fun facts about Mason. Don't forget to mention shopMason and Patriot Perks for discounts and resources!
Make the First Day Exciting: Kick off their Mason journey with a blend of fun and functionality. Set up their workspace with their new technology, provide campus maps and Mason swag, give them a tour and introduce them to their team, and arrange a lunch to foster connections!
Assigning a Buddy: Pairing new hires with a buddy ensures they have a go-to person for questions and support during those crucial first months. Mentors or buddies play a key role in easing the transition and fostering a sense of belonging.
Setting the New Hire up for Success: During the first 30 days, clarity is key. Ensure they understand their role, responsibilities, and expectations by scheduling meetings and offering training opportunities through MasonLEAPs or LinkedIn Learning.
Regular Check-ins and Involvement: Onboarding doesn't end after the first day! Regular check-ins provide ongoing support and feedback, fostering a sense of comfort and inclusion. Encourage your new hire to get involved with Mason Nation through programs like ProjectConnect or Faculty and Staff Networks, and don't forget to recommend The George for staying in the loop!
Thank you to our HR Liaison partners for sharing some of their best practices! These best practices are crucial to acclimating new hires to the culture of Mason and providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
Additional onboarding ideas and best practices can be found in the Onboarding Toolkit for Supervisors.
For questions about Mason's onboarding process, please reach out to hr@gmu.edu. For inquiries about orientations and practices for welcoming new team members, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.