Comprehensive onboarding process empowers new faculty and staff
New job jitters are real. A recent study showed that more than half of new hires felt starting a new job was more intimidating than skydiving.
Luckily, there’s a remedy. A thoughtful onboarding process eases much of the stress of starting a new role, and the benefits don’t stop there.
“Studies show that quality onboarding processes make new hires almost three times more likely to be satisfied at work,” said Jeff Cumberland, Human Resources' director of talent and acquisition and executive search. “We want to set all faculty and staff up for success, so building a strong foundation early on is paramount.”
Starting off on the right foot
Virginia Tech’s comprehensive onboarding process starts by empowering new hires with information. With a user-friendly employee onboarding portal through the PageUp applicant tracking system and accessible guidance and programs, new Hokies are equipped to learn about our university's culture, prioritize wellness, gain new skills, and truly find their footing in their new roles. The portal shares information throughout the new hires’ first year, taking them to one of their first university career milestones.
Building connections early
Much of onboarding is about building connections, and for many new hires, it can be difficult to know where to start. Virginia Tech integrates professional relationship building into the core of its onboarding process. New hire programs like Lunch and Learn workshops, the Peer-to-Peer program, speed meetings, and the annual New Hire Social actively help relieve those early obstacles newcomers may face.
Lunch and Learn workshops are led by different guest speakers and often partner with various departments to highlight topics useful to new hires. Previous sessions include a class about the history of Virginia Tech taught by a university history professor and a session on managing stress hosted by Hokie Wellness. New faculty and staff are given time after each session to meet others in attendance.
The Peer-to-Peer program, launched in 2022, pairs interested new administrative and professional (A/P) faculty with experienced colleagues, or “culture champions,” for three months to enhance their overall work experience, help them better integrate into campus life, and adopt the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.
Helping to create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for new hires is at the core of the Peer-to-Peer program. Each culture champion is trained to approach the program as a mentor to a new A/P faculty member, offering professional guidance, support for assimilating into the Virginia Tech community, and an in-depth understanding of Virginia Tech’s unique culture.
“By helping new hires feel understood and valued, mentors through Peer-to-Peer contribute to the broader goal of building a workplace that embraces all voices at Virginia Tech,” said Emma Leveau, employee relations specialist.
Speed meetings get their name from the similar structure they share with speed dating. Rather than one-on-ones though, participants rotate in small groups. A table leader poses icebreaker questions, and each participant has several minutes to interact before moving to another table. Full-time staff are invited to attend these quarterly events and briefly meet with no more than 30 other new hires in a low-pressure environment.
Finally, each November, full-time new hires are invited to mix and mingle and enjoy a catered meal at the annual New Hire Social at the University Club. It’s a fun way for newcomers to close out the year before the holiday season with the Virginia Tech community.
“Meaningful relationships are the glue that hold Virginia Tech together,” said Bryan Garey, vice president for human resources. “We’re proud to help facilitate those early connections through onboarding that will continue to foster community at Virginia Tech.”
Overall wellness matters
Beyond offerings specific to new hires, Human Resources takes a holistic approach to onboarding that values overall wellness through professional development, health and wellness programs, and community building outside of work.
As new faculty and staff work to build those early professional relationships, they can take advantage of professional development with the PageUp Learning Management System that features training courses and workshops offered and curated through the Talent Development team.
Newcomers are encouraged to sign up for the Hokie Wellness newsletter to learn of their many monthly physical and mental health programs as well as download the TimelyCare app, a virtual health and well-being service that includes 12 free scheduled counseling visits per academic year.
From weekend hikers to pottery clubs, interest groups allow employees a platform outside of their professional roles to foster connections. New Hokies are also welcome to join any of the 10 faculty and staff caucuses featuring a broad spectrum of communities, to help establish a sense of belonging.
“Virginia Tech’s unique onboarding process prioritizes wellness because a happy and healthy employee is integral to the overall wellness of our university. Every time a faculty and staff member is successful, Virginia Tech is successful,” Garey said.
