The Pest Posse Roundup: How to master employee onboarding

Foster Brusca, left, discusses industry onboarding tips with Maria Berta. (Photo: The Pest Posse)

In a recent Pest Posse TV interview, I sat down with human resources expert Maria Berta of Berta Consulting Group, Pleasant Hill, Calif., to discuss the importance of a solid employee onboarding process. Whether you have two employees or 200, onboarding isn’t just a legal formality — it’s vital for setting up your team and business for long-term success.

Berta emphasized that onboarding starts with compliance, ensuring your company follows legal requirements such as completing I-9 tax forms and setting up tax withholdings. However, onboarding goes far beyond paperwork. You want to set your employees up for success. A well-executed onboarding program helps new hires understand how to navigate your company confidently.

Effective onboarding tips

During the discussion, Berta introduced her “4 C’s” framework for effective onboarding:

1. Compliance ensures all legal documentation is complete, from tax forms to labor laws. Maintaining your employee handbook and having it tailored to your company’s needs is essential.

2. Clarification is where company-specific policies come into play — such as safety protocols and expectations for daily tasks like using email and clocking in. You must clearly communicate how things work to avoid confusion.

3. Culture involves introducing new hires to your company’s mission, values and history. Especially in small businesses, it’s important for employees to feel connected to the company’s story. There’s a great story behind most companies; sharing it during onboarding fosters loyalty and pride.

4. Connection is about ongoing support. Onboarding doesn’t end after the first week. Support your new hires by assigning mentors and conducting regular check-ins. Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Business owners must continue to engage with new employees beyond their initial training.

Ways to ensure success

Berta also stressed the importance of being prepared. Failing to set up an email account or neglecting to have other necessary tools ready for a new hire on their first day can send the wrong message. First impressions matter: An organized onboarding process leaves employees feeling confident and valued.

The final piece of advice is simple: Don’t assume new hires fully understand everything. Many employees hesitate to ask questions, so regular follow-ups are critical to ensure they grasp the material. This prevents future issues and reinforces the company’s commitment to their success.

In short, onboarding is an opportunity to set your employees and your company up for success. As Berta put it, “A well-structured onboarding process is an investment worth making.”

Watch the full discussion here.

<p>The post The Pest Posse Roundup: How to master employee onboarding first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/11/27/the-pest-posse-roundup-how-to-master-employee-onboarding/
Sacramento CA