Managers: How to Successfully Onboard New Employees in the First 90 Days

Bringing a new employee into the organisation is more thanjust a process - it’s the foundation for long-term success, engagement, andperformance. A structured and supportive onboarding experience ensures newhires feel welcomed, confident, and ready to contribute.
Key milestones for onboarding success
First few days: set strong foundations.
- Welcome the employee and introduce them to the team.
- Ensure they have the tools, resources, and access they need.
- Set clear expectations about their role and how success will be measured.
- Schedule an informal check-in to see how they’re settling in.
First 30 days: support and align.
- Confirm their understanding of the role, responsibilities, and team dynamics.
- Hold a structured 30-day check-in to discuss early wins, challenges, and priorities.
- Encourage integration - help them build key relationships across the business.
- Provide constructive feedback and ensure they know where to go for support.
- Make sure they have a buddy and have caught up with them.
First 60 days: develop and engage.
- Assess their progress - are they meeting expectations? If not, identify gaps and offer support.
- Check in on their workload and well-being - are they feeling overwhelmed or underutilised?
- Provide opportunities for learning - mentoring, training, or stretch projects.
- Reinforce their impact - recognise contributions, celebrate small wins, and ensure they feel valued.
First 90 days: review and plan ahead
- Use feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to assess their broader impact.
- Address any final onboarding gaps before transitioning into regular performance check-ins.
- Ensure they feel confident and motivated in their role.
- Schedule an end-of-probation review to evaluate performance and behaviours.
- Consider longer-term development - what’s next for their growth?
- Engage HR early for guidance and advice if you have doubts about their progress.
Best practices for a great onboarding experience
- Set clear expectations early – outline role responsibilities, key goals, and success measures upfront.
- Create a supportive environment – encourage open dialogue, check in frequently and ensure they feel included.
- Provide regular feedback – don’t wait for formal reviews - help them course-correct and celebrate small wins.
- Ensure access to the right tools and people – no employee should struggle because they lack information or support.
- Think beyond day 1 – onboarding isn’t just an event; it’s a 90-day+ journey to set them up for long-term success.
Remember: the first 90 days shape an employee’s confidence, engagement, and long-term performance. A strong start leads to a stronger team and better results!
What about Employees?
See Appraisd guidance for New Joiners: How to Succeed in Your First 90 Days.
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