Empowering Extension s future leaders: A strategic approach to onboarding Extension professionals

Transcription

1 Empowering Extension s future leaders: A strategic approach to onboarding Extension professionals Kirk Bloir Interim Associate State 4-H Leader bloir.1@osu.edu Graham R. Cochran Associate Professor cochran.99@osu.edu Epsilon Sigma Phi National Conference October,

2 The First Day 2

3 Today s Session What is Onboarding? Objectives of Onboarding Why Onboarding? Characteristics and Components of Onboarding Sharing of Experiences Ohio State Extension s Onboarding Vision Lessons Learned 3

4 What is Onboarding? Synonyms: socialization, assimilation, induction, orientation, acculturation, & integration Variety of definitions Common themes across each definition: Process Learning Product 4

5 Onboarding is The strategic process of integrating new employees into their work roles and work environment. 5

6 Why Onboarding? Research shows Agent/Educator retention is a major challenge for Extension (Safrit & Owen, 2010) As many as 4% of new employees leave jobs after a terrible first day (Moscato, 2005) Gen Y ers make the decision to stay long term with an organization by the end of their first day (Vernon, 2012) A large % of new employees quit their jobs within the first 6 months (Chao, 1998 cited in Jones, 2008) It takes 6.2 months for a mid-level manager s contributions to surpass the organization s cost of recruiting, hiring, and training (Wells, 2005). 6

7 Objectives of an Onboarding Process Provides a formally structured and comprehensive process designed to achieve the following A faster adjustment to the organization and their jobs Clarity in objectives and expectations Increased confidence Equipping new employees with the knowledge and resources they need to excel Affirmation of fit within the organization Enhanced engagement within the organization Long lasting relationships 7

8 Four C s of Successful Onboarding Culture Compliance Connection Clarification Bauer, T. (2010). Onboarding new employees: Maximizing success. SHRM.org

9 Bauer, T. (2010). Onboarding new employees: Maximizing success. SHRM.org 9

10 Key Aspects to Target for Successful Onboarding Bauer, T. (2010). Onboarding new employees: Maximizing success. SHRM.org 10

11 Necessary Onboarding Activities Pre-hire Recruitment & Selection Orientation & Compliance Support Communication Coaching & Networking Support Tools & Processes Training hard & soft skills Factors Influencing Process Organization Size Culture Leadership 11

12 Benefits of an Onboarding process Higher levels of job satisfaction confidence Greater organizational commitment turnover rates retention rates Enhanced performance Career effectiveness Reduced stress 12

13 Time for an activity! 13

14 Onboarding in Ohio State Extension Evaluated what existed Discovered challenges and opportunities Reviewed the literature for best practices Developed a vision Sought buy-in Phased implementation Lessons learned so far 14

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16 OSUE Onboarding Activities Common Start Dates/ Day 1 Orientation Streamlined hiring process Consistent experience to help establish connection with OSU Address items of personal relevance New Employee Welcome Festival Fun & engaging event for new employees to network and learn about the organization Opportunity to apply concepts learned on the job 16

17 OSUE Onboarding Activities New Employee Web Presence Framework to guide new employee through pertinent information and required trainings A collection of important resources A comprehensive guide to the new employee experience Training Plan Detailed outline of available trainings by job role and recommendations on when to attend Technical information for organizational functions Professional and personal development 17

18 OSUE Onboarding Activities Mentoring Program Formal program providing support for Educators and County Directors Training Plan for Mentors Detailed expectations of Mentors and Mentees Program Area Responsibilities Recommendations for engaging program areas in onboarding process Training for technical programmatic knowledge 18

19 Day 1 Orientation Employee s first day At State offices Hiring Paperwork Establish connections 19

20 2013 OSU Extension New Employee Welcome Festival Welcome Festival Held once a year Every unit/group represented Game show Break out session focused on core competencies

21 Communication On-going Multiple Onboarding Partners Welcome Message Project Website OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION 21

22 Lessons Learned Highly complex to integrate all job roles Phased development & implementation Enlist help of a team Always ask is this sustainable? Regularly evaluate progress Keep a continuous improvement mentality Communication is key 22

23 Thank you! 23