The processes for getting new employees up to speed are often ad hoc and uncoordinated. Work with Human Resources to formalize and automate these "onboarding" procedures. It will make IT and HR more effective while promoting higher job satisfaction, productivity, and retention among new employees.

Those First Days Are Critical

Companies will often make a considerable investment in recruiting and hiring the best people. This investment can be placed in jeopardy if the early days of the new employee's life with the company are not well organized. Costs of poor onboarding include:

• Lost productivity. The time between when an employee is hired and when he or she starts to produce revenue for the company is a cost. Poor orientation and set-up for a new employee will extend this period of time.
• Lost employees (turnover). To keep a high-potential employee, start him or her off feeling integrated,...