The Basics is the first step in a good onboarding process. It ensures that you have the most essential elements and is easy to get started with. The Basics form the foundation of your onboarding material, including the most important handbooks and procedures. In this section, the focus is on the welcome process and the way you build effective onboarding for new colleagues.

Your onboarding journey commences with the cornerstone of effective onboarding—the Staff Handbook.

Make your employee handbook a dynamic reference guide for your employees. While having an employee handbook is commonplace, it doesn't have to be dull. Emphasize what makes your company unique and why the established rules matter to you. Include regulations regarding sick leave, maternity leave, and other practical details.

Pay attention to when a new colleague gains access to the employee handbook. Imagine you're excited about a new job, you love the company culture and brand.

Then, you receive an employee handbook with the message "read this, please." Consider whether the introduction of your employee handbook should be a welcoming message instead of starting on page 1 with rules.

Consider whether your company should send a welcome message or present other parts of the onboarding process—and let the employee handbook be a reference guide.

It is particularly important in the restaurant and hospitality industry that we maintain momentum for as long as possible. Employees are not easy to come by, and they have high expectations. The same should be true for the flow of information during onboarding.

Consider, what information would I find exciting to receive first?

Handbooks are more than just a rulebook; it's your guide to understanding our expectations and fostering a shared understanding among our new team members.

Imagine more than just a friendly greeting; envision a warm welcome setting the stage for a positive onboarding experience. This initial step introduces you to our culture, ethos, and team spirit. Do you have the opportunity to create a video with those responsible for the operation in the restaurant or hotel? A virtual welcome, so your new colleague feels especially welcomed.

When was the last time you became best friends with someone who gave you a bad first impression? The same goes for workplaces. Pay attention to what your workplace conveys. It ranges from the emails sent, the pre boarding process a new colleague goes through, to their welcome on the first day. Is it busy, and does the new colleague feel that there is space, time, and readiness for them?

Conversely, a good and warm welcome can mean a lot for well-being, how quickly a new colleague's performance rises, and their ability to succeed in the workplace.

A genuine welcome fosters a sense of belonging and excitement about joining our organization.

For a seamless transition, a well-structured onboarding plan is crucial. Your personalized roadmap includes a detailed schedule outlining key onboarding activities, from initial orientation to specialized departmental training. This ensures you are well-prepared and confident as you step into your role.

Preparation is the key to success. Insights and resources before your first shift reduce anxiety and empower you to start with confidence. Practical details and whom to contact for last-minute questions, ensure a smooth entry into your new role.

Clear communication from your HR department is critical. In-depth discussions cover your employment contract, job responsibilities, sickness policies, work schedules, and availability requirements. Transparent communication builds trust and establishes a strong foundation for your employer-employee relationship.

Your uniform policies contribute to a professional appearance. Clear communication of dress code expectations ensures you understand the importance of maintaining a consistent and polished image, fostering a sense of unity within the team.

Define and communicate relevant policies tailored to your onboarding journey. From general orientation guidelines to role-specific training policies, these articulated policies set expectations and provide a framework for your structured onboarding process.

Be mindful not to over-inform your new colleague. A brief note in the staff app that covers the most essential information can be effective.

SOPs can be seen as a reference guide. Take the time to craft them, as they can save you a lot of work hours – employees find it easier to search for information and find answers themselves. Similarly, you can compile all your manuals and guides.

You can create SOPs on various topics, tailored to make sense for your business. Some points will be more critical, and there may also be legal requirements regarding what you inform your employees about.

Understanding Food Agency guidelines is crucial. This section provides deeper insights into why these guidelines exist, their impact on our reputation, and the legal implications of non-compliance. It instills a sense of responsibility and awareness among our team members.

If your company deals with food, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive introduction to safety and hygiene. Give your new colleague a thorough introduction on how to respond if an authority enters the business, what things should always be in order. It's not necessary to know everything from the first day, but lay out a plan to gradually introduce procedures regarding inspections, temperature, and cleaning.

Explore the importance of the Chemical Workplace Assessment process. Understand how it enhances safety and empowers you to actively contribute to creating a secure work environment. Your knowledge is not just compliance; it's a commitment to workplace safety.

You need to create a visible chart of the chemical substances you may use in your workplace. Include the protective gear used and instructions on how to assist yourself if, for example, you get soap in your eyes

Additionally, you should have an easily accessible report from the latest inspection and minutes from the recent meeting with the occupational health and safety organization. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and fosters a culture where doing things the right and safe way is emphasized.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Workplace Safety Committee's role and responsibilities. Know how you can actively engage and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment. Furthermore, make it a part of your onboarding process to get acquainted with these individuals who play a crucial role in your daily work. This can involve aspects of both mental and physical workplace conditions, covering aspects like workspace setup, protective equipment, and tools.

Access to safety data sheets is more than a requirement; it's about empowering you with necessary information to make informed decisions about your work environment. This section emphasizes the practical importance of these sheets in your daily operations.