Employee lifecycle is broadly a 5 step process that explains the journey of an employee in an organisation. How an organisation performs is directly linked to how its employees are engaged. It is thus very important to understand the lifecycle of an employee for managing the company’s performance. We have listed below the various phases and what you can do to engage the employees in the respective phases.
1.Hiring
This is perhaps the most defining phase of the employee lifecycle, because each new hire can make significant impact in the organisation. You can engage the future employees by maintaining transparency in the communication and letting them know what to expect during the process. You must also make sure that they are cared for. Their interview experience must be enriching and their time must be respected.
2. Onboarding
Joining an organisation can be quite overwhelming. A successful onboarding process can help the new hires relax and get acquainted with the organisation and the people. Before the process begins, send out an elaborate email congratulating the employee and welcome them with goodies. Show them around the office and introduce them to the people. During the onboarding process, present the organisation’s values and culture to them and make sure the culture and values reflect in every act; only then will the employee get used to them well. Assign a ‘buddy’ to them in case they need help in the initial days.
3. Development
An employee can continuously perform better and grow only through great development programmes. Understand their learning needs and design customised learning programmes. Do not make this a once-in-a-year process. Development all round the year can reap wonderful results.
4. Retention
It is well known that retention can save you lot of trouble and so many bucks. You should make your employees feel like they’re valued. Do not wait for the annual appraisal to tell them how well they have done on the last project. Praise them immediately and see the magic. You also retain employees by giving them work that challenges them and is exciting for them. Nobody would like to work on unexciting projects. Give them opportunity to implement what they have learnt recently.
5.Exit
An employee could be leaving the organisation for multiple reasons – higher studies, personal commitment, or retirement. Make sure the exit formalities are conducted hassle-free. If they are senior people in the organisation, stay connected with them because their mentorship will certainly help the organisation grow bigger.
Employees are a company’s most valuable assets. Knowledge of the phases they’re in and engaging with them accordingly is crucial for a wholesome development.
