Employee Onboarding Software: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It

Starting a new job can be a daunting experience for employees. They may feel overwhelmed with the new information, procedures, and people they need to familiarize themselves with. This is where employee onboarding software comes in. Employee onboarding software can help streamline the process of getting new employees up to speed with the company’s culture, values, and procedures.

In this article, we will explore what employee onboarding software is, how it works, and why your business needs it. We will also look at the different features of employee onboarding software and some of the best options available on the market.

What is Employee Onboarding Software?

Employee onboarding software is a type of software that helps businesses automate and streamline their employee onboarding process. The software typically includes features such as automated paperwork, digital signatures, task management, and training modules. The goal of employee onboarding software is to make the process of getting new employees up to speed as smooth and efficient as possible.

How Does Employee Onboarding Software Work?

Employee onboarding software typically works by automating many of the tasks that are involved in the employee onboarding process. For example, the software can automatically generate and send out offer letters, employment agreements, and other paperwork to new hires. It can also allow new hires to complete and sign these documents digitally, eliminating the need for paper-based processes.

Employee onboarding software can also help businesses track the progress of new hires as they go through the onboarding process. This can include tracking the completion of training modules, ensuring that new hires have completed all necessary paperwork, and assigning tasks to new hires as they get up to speed.

Why Your Business Needs Employee Onboarding Software

There are several reasons why your business needs employee onboarding software. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. It Saves Time and Money

Employee onboarding can be a time-consuming and expensive process, particularly if it involves a lot of paperwork and manual processes. Employee onboarding software can help automate many of these processes, saving your business time and money in the long run.

2. It Improves the Employee Experience

A smooth and efficient onboarding process can go a long way in making new employees feel welcome and valued. Employee onboarding software can help ensure that new hires have a positive onboarding experience, which can increase their engagement and productivity in the long run.

3. It Helps Ensure Compliance

The onboarding process is an important time to ensure that new hires are aware of and comply with the company’s policies, procedures, and regulations. Employee onboarding software can help ensure that new hires are aware of these requirements and that they have completed any necessary training or certifications.

4. It Improves Communication and Collaboration

Employee onboarding software can help facilitate communication and collaboration between new hires, their managers, and other team members. This can help new hires feel more connected to the company and its culture, and it can also help them get up to speed more quickly.

Key Features of Employee Onboarding Software

Employee onboarding software can include a range of features depending on the vendor and the specific needs of your business. Here are some of the key features to look for when evaluating employee onboarding software:

1. Automated Paperwork

Employee onboarding software should include features that allow for the automation of paperwork, including offer letters, employment agreements, tax forms, and other documents.

2. Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are a key feature of employee onboarding software as they allow new hires to sign and submit documents electronically. This can eliminate the need for paper-based processes and can speed up the onboarding process.

3. Task Management

Employee onboarding software should include features that allow for the tracking and management of tasks related to the onboarding process. This can include assigning tasks to new hires, tracking their progress, and setting reminders for important deadlines.

4. Training Modules

Employee onboarding software should include training modules that can be customized to the needs of your business. These modules should cover topics such as company culture, policies and procedures, and job-specific training.

5. Communication and Collaboration Tools

Employee onboarding software should include features that facilitate communication and collaboration between new hires, their managers, and other team members. This can include messaging tools, forums, and video conferencing.

6. Reporting and Analytics

Employee onboarding software should include features that allow you to track and analyze the onboarding process. This can include metrics such as time to productivity, completion rates, and feedback from new hires.

Best Employee Onboarding Software Options

There are many employee onboarding software options available on the market. Here are some of the best options to consider:

1. BambooHR

BambooHR is a popular HR software platform that includes employee onboarding features. The software includes customizable templates for offer letters and other documents, digital signature capabilities, and task management tools. BambooHR also includes reporting and analytics features to help you track the progress of new hires.

2. WorkBright

WorkBright is a cloud-based employee onboarding software that focuses on paperless processes. The software includes customizable forms, digital signature capabilities, and task management tools. WorkBright also includes features for tracking employee documents and certifications.

3. Zenefits

Zenefits is a comprehensive HR software platform that includes employee onboarding features. The software includes customizable offer letters and other documents, digital signature capabilities, and task management tools. Zenefits also includes features for managing benefits, payroll, and compliance.

4. ClearCompany

ClearCompany is a talent management software platform that includes employee onboarding features. The software includes customizable templates for offer letters and other documents, digital signature capabilities, and task management tools. ClearCompany also includes features for performance management and employee engagement.

5. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based HR software platform that includes employee onboarding features. The software includes customizable templates for offer letters and other documents, digital signature capabilities, and task management tools. SAP SuccessFactors also includes features for talent management and learning management.

Conclusion

Employee onboarding software can help streamline the process of getting new employees up to speed with your business. The software can automate many of the tasks involved in the onboarding process, saving time and money. It can also improve the employee experience, ensure compliance, and facilitate communication and collaboration. When evaluating employee onboarding software options, look for features such as automated paperwork, digital signatures, task management, training modules, communication and collaboration tools, and reporting and analytics. With the right employee onboarding software in place, you can ensure that your new hires have a positive onboarding experience and are set up for success in their new roles.

FAQs

What is employee onboarding software?

Employee onboarding software is a type of HR software that is designed to help streamline the process of getting new employees up to speed with a business. The software can automate many of the tasks involved in the onboarding process, including paperwork, training, and communication.

What are the benefits of using employee onboarding software?

There are many benefits to using employee onboarding software, including:

Saving time and money by automating many of the tasks involved in the onboarding process
Improving the employee experience by providing a streamlined and organized onboarding process
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Facilitating communication and collaboration between new hires and their managers and team members
Providing reporting and analytics to track the progress of new hires

What features should I look for in employee onboarding software?

When evaluating employee onboarding software options, look for features such as:

Automated paperwork and form filling
Digital signatures
Task management tools
Training modules that can be customized to your business needs
Communication and collaboration tools such as messaging, forums, and video conferencing
Reporting and analytics features to track the progress of new hires

What are some of the best employee onboarding software options?

There are many employee onboarding software options available on the market. Some of the best options include:

BambooHR
WorkBright
Zenefits
ClearCompany
SAP SuccessFactors

How can I ensure a successful onboarding experience for new hires?

To ensure a successful onboarding experience for new hires, consider the following:

Communicate regularly with new hires throughout the onboarding process
Provide clear instructions and expectations for their role
Assign a mentor or buddy to help new hires acclimate to the company culture
Provide job-specific training and development opportunities
Solicit feedback from new hires on their onboarding experience and make adjustments as necessary