Our approach to onboarding is based on our experience of observing onboarding processes that succeed, and those that fail, and is consistent with what SHRM recommends for an effective onboarding program, which includes four distinct levels, known as “The Four C’s”:

Compliance is the lowest level and includes teaching employees basic legal and policy-related rules and regulations.

Clarification refers to ensuring that employees understand their new jobs and all related expectations.

Culture is a broad category that includes providing employees with a sense of organizational norms — both formal and informal.

Connection refers to the vital interpersonal relationships and information networks that new employees must establish.

For a comprehensive resource for onboarding best practices, check out this report from the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guideline Series:

“Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success” http://www.shrm.org/about/foundation/products/Documents/Onboarding%20EPG-%20FINAL.pdf