induction plan
18 Aug 2025
Mareike
Onboarding Plan: The Key to Successful Onboarding
A structured onboarding process for new employees is crucial for their motivation, productivity, and long-term commitment to the company. A well-thought-out onboarding plan helps integrate new team members efficiently and ensures they quickly find their role. But what does onboarding involve, why is an onboarding plan so important, and what concepts exist?
What is included in the onboarding process?
The onboarding phase begins on the first day of work and can last several weeks or months, depending on the position and company. It includes various elements that help new employees orient themselves professionally, socially, and organisationally.
Key components of a successful onboarding:
Preparation: Setting up the workplace, providing IT access, creating an onboarding plan. Digital solutions like Sundae OS can greatly facilitate this process. The system enables digital onboarding with an invitation link, allowing new employees to independently enter their data – without the hassle of paperwork.
Welcome & Introduction: Reception by the team, introduction to company culture and values.
Professional Onboarding: Introduction to tasks, processes, and tools by supervisors or mentors.
Social Integration: Getting to know colleagues, introduction to team structures and meetings.
Feedback & Development: Regular discussions to clarify open questions and reflect on progress.
A well-structured onboarding process not only makes it easier to start but also ensures that new employees quickly become productive.
Why is an induction plan important?
An induction plan is a structured document that outlines the individual steps and goals of the onboarding process. It ensures that the induction process is efficient, transparent, and consistent.
The benefits of an induction plan:
Faster productivity: Clear structures help new employees to become productive in their roles more quickly. Sundae OS supports this with an integrated employee management system that centrally stores master data, documents, and qualifications.
Higher employee satisfaction: A structured induction provides reassurance and strengthens the sense of belonging.
Reduction of turnover: Those who feel well integrated and settled are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
Relief for leaders and teams: A clear plan ensures that all parties know what to do.
Consistency and quality: Standardized processes prevent knowledge gaps and promote consistent quality in the induction process.
A company that invests in a structured induction benefits from motivated, engaged, and long-term successful employees.
What onboarding concepts are there?
Depending on the company and position, there are different onboarding concepts that vary in duration, intensity, and methods.
1. Traditional Onboarding
This involves gradually familiarising new employees with their tasks. Supervisors or colleagues act as contacts and provide regular feedback. This concept is particularly suitable for smaller companies with a manageable structure.
2. Mentoring Program
An experienced colleague takes on the role of mentor and accompanies the new employee over a longer period. The mentor offers practical tips, shares knowledge, and facilitates social integration.
3. Onboarding Programs with Digital Tools
Many companies rely on digital solutions like Sundae OS to make the onboarding process more efficient. New employees automatically receive an invitation via email, can enter their personal data in the Employee App themselves, and upload necessary documents. This reduces administrative effort and significantly eases the transition.
4. Job Rotation
In this concept, new employees rotate through various departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company. This method is especially useful for trainee programs or future leadership talent.
5. Blended Onboarding
This concept combines various methods, such as personal meetings with digital learning offerings or mentoring with independent onboarding. This allows the onboarding process to be tailored to the needs of the employees.
Onboarding & Shift Planning with Sundae OS
Especially in industries with shift work – such as hospitality or retail – efficient onboarding is crucial. Sundae OS not only offers a digital onboarding process but also facilitates shift planning through automated shift assignments, availability scheduling, and a drag-and-drop weekly overview.
Benefits of digital support:
Fast start: Employees can directly enter the shift plan themselves after onboarding
Automated management: The system indicates which employees are qualified for specific tasks
Collaboration: Shift swaps and holiday requests are managed directly through the system
Conclusion
A well-planned onboarding process is crucial for the success of new employees and the entire company. With a thoughtful onboarding plan, typical initial hurdles can be minimised, integration can be facilitated, and productivity can be increased.
Companies that invest in a structured onboarding benefit in the long term from higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover, and better performance. Digital solutions like Sundae OS help to make the entire process efficient, transparent, and automated – from the invitation to complete integration into the team.