Onboarding Talent in a Post-Pandemic World VIRTUAL Working Group

CAHRS Virtual Working Group: Onboarding Talent in a Post-Pandemic World
March 29, 2023 |12:00-1:30pm (ET)

Download the Working Group Notes

During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies had to dramatically adjust how new employees were onboarded. A process that for many years had been conducted largely through a series of in-person events and activities had to be delivered entirely virtually. Now that employees are returning to the office, companies are reexamining the process again to assess how lessons learned during the pandemic can be used to create a more compelling onboarding experience. In addition, companies are evaluating how the onboarding process should be constructed and delivered to create an inclusive culture and foster employees sense of connection in an increasingly hybrid and virtual environment.

In this working group, participants will have an opportunity to engage with other HR leaders from CAHRS partner companies to share best practices and innovations around onboarding talent in a post-pandemic world. The session will begin with a brief presentation by Dr. Frank Salfi, Vice President, Global Head of Learning and Development & Global Onboarding at American Express, who will share the companys onboarding journey over the past few years. Then CAHRS Professor Brad Bell will lead a discussion of the issues outlined below, while also leaving time for other topics to emerge organically:

What are the key components of your companys onboarding process and how have they evolved over the past few years in response to the pandemic and other disruptions (e.g., Great Resignation)? Which changes have proven more or less successful?

What specific changes have been made to your companys onboarding process to ensure that it is aligned with the expanded utilization of flexible work arrangements (e.g., hybrid, virtual)? Do employees in different work models receive a consistent or differentiated onboarding experience?

How is the onboarding process in your company delivered to employees in different markets? Do you employ a globally consistent process or allow for local customization?

What tools (e.g., online hub, Slack channels) and technologies (e.g., automation) have been used to streamline and strengthen your companys onboarding experience?

What metrics does your company track to measure the effectiveness of the onboarding process? How is this data leveraged for continuous improvement?

What further changes or innovations to your companys onboarding process do you foresee on the horizon?

Our virtual working groups are kept small to allow for rich discussion and best practice sharing. Given the limited size of each session, we ask that you only register for a session if you will be able to attend for the duration. Prior to the session, attendees should give some thought to the questions above so they are prepared to share with the group. We also strongly prefer that participants be on camera during the session to allow for more engaging interaction.