The welcome of new employees into an organization has grown into a significant moment in enterprise history. Its roots go back to the industrialization era when business owners started to recognize the importance of making their workforce feel valued and comfortable in their new work environment.
Historically, the welcoming of a new hire involved a simple handshake, a quick tour around the workplace, and a brief introduction to the team. However, as society and workplaces evolved, so did the onboarding process.
The first major shift happened with the rise of organized labor and human resources in the 19th century. The focus moved towards fair treatment of employees, leading to more structured induction programs, reinforcing the company values and culture. It was the birth of the ‘Employee Handbook.
The digital revolution in the late 20th century transformed the welcoming process significantly. Online onboarding became a game-changer, with virtual tours, digital handbooks, online training modules, etc. It has allowed streamlined onboarding irrespective of geographical boundaries – a massive milestone in the evolution of the new employee welcome.
Today, celebrating a new hire’s arrival has become an integral part of the company culture. Beyond sharing just the goals and values of the organization, it now focuses on making a new hire feel a part of the work ‘family’. Innovative welcome kits, team building activities, even welcoming rituals have become commonplace.
The future of welcoming new employees promises even better days ahead. With developments in AI and VR, virtual onboarding could convincingly simulate in-person experiences. As this evolution continues, the core remains the same – making employees feel welcomed, valued and ready to contribute to their new job.