The Importance Of A Warm Welcome Through Reboarding
Reboarding isn't talked about often enough, but it's just as important as onboarding. It's not uncommon for employees to need to have weeks or months off; extended vacations, parental leaves, sabbaticals, and mental health recharges are all valid reasons for people to step away. While they are off, though, work keeps on going. The teams take on new projects, company policies may change, new people enter the corporate family, and team dynamics shift. That's where employee reboarding activities come in. These help your returning employees return to their duties and get familiar with anything they missed, from new peers to new tasks and processes.
Reboarding is crucial because it makes your staffers feel valued and supported. No one wants to come back to work after a few months away and be left on their own to figure out everything. By creating employee reboarding activities, you're showing them that they are valued and that your organization is ready and willing to provide them ample support. Reboarding also brings benefits to your company. It helps to keep your team productive, even during transitional times, instead of spending weeks or months catching up. Let's see how you can plan these employee reboarding activities and look at some ideas to get you started.
How To Plan Reboarding Activities
It's a good idea to start early when it comes to the reboarding process. Don't leave it until the last minute to figure out how to bring employees into the fold again. Give yourself more than a month to think of ideas, check out their schedules, and talk about your plans with the stakeholders. Most importantly, don't make any decisions before you take your returning employees' needs into consideration. Think of things like how long they were away, why, and what their position was. Not everyone left for the same reason; for instance, new mothers may have different preferences than someone who was on a sabbatical.
10 Effective Employee Reboarding Activities
1. Welcome Back Meeting
When people are away from their team for a while, some things seem strange and awkward upon their return. So, a welcome-back meeting is necessary to give them a sense of what's going on and help them acclimate. You can start the meeting with an icebreaker game, connecting your returning employees with the rest of the team. Then, give them time to meet with everyone or introduce themselves to the new additions. Lastly, don't forget to update them on anything they've missed, from projects to policies, and explain to them the next steps of the reboarding plan.
2. Check-Ins
Individualized attention is extremely important for your staffers who have been on extended leave. Things have changed around them, and they need a one-on-one to catch up on everything. This not only informs them about any updates but also shows them that you genuinely care about them. Plus, they have a chance to express their concerns and ideas in a more comfortable environment, not in front of the whole company.
3. Team-Building Events
The team spirit will need some rekindling after your employees return, whether they were on leave, on vacation, or working remotely. Organize team activities that will challenge them but also bring them together to cooperate and collectively problem-solve. Puzzles, scavenger hunts, escape rooms, trust exercises, games, and outdoor adventures promote collaboration, bring an element of fun, and, most importantly, create lasting memories to strengthen the bonds among colleagues.
4. Mentorship
What's a better way to adjust to work than a trusted coworker offering guidance? Mentorship programs not only help transfer knowledge in the workplace but also build trust among peers and create strong relationships. Returning employees will be happy to find that they have someone they can turn to for advice, help, and questions. This also creates a learning culture in the company, where every form of knowledge-gaining is valuable and necessary for your staffers' growth.
5. Training
Speaking of learning, people coming back to work will need to refresh their skills or learn new ones. In the first case, the lessons don't have to be long; just quick courses will bring them up to speed with the latest trends in their field. When it comes to learning new things, though, don't rush it. Ensure they have a clear schedule in order to focus on training. After all, once they finish, they can contribute again and be even more productive.
6. Social Events
From a simple chat over coffee in the breakroom to a company retreat, social events can do wonders for bringing the team together. But how will you make sure that these events are both inclusive and fun? You can try out different types and see what works for your people. For example, encourage people from different teams to come together and network, organize theme parties with costumes and food, take your employees on a holiday retreat for the weekend, join classes with them to try new hobbies, do sports, or even volunteer. The simplest action can have a great impact on their morale.
7. Recognition
Imagine someone returning to work after being away for some time and finding that their contributions are still recognized and appreciated. It's important to remind returning employees that their work doesn't go unnoticed despite not being present and that they're still valued. You can organize a small award ceremony with personalized trophies for their work or acknowledge them publicly, if they feel comfortable with that, through a social media post or an announcement on the company's website.
8. Small Gifts
Your returning employees will be delighted to go back to their desks and find a little package waiting for them. You can craft a little care package for them, tailored to their needs and interests. For example, if they're back from parental leave, you can give them a congratulatory gift. If they're back from sick leave, you can offer them a heartwarming message accompanied by something cozy that will help them rest. It's not about what you get them; it's the thought that truly counts.
9. Wellness Activities
Your workplace's embrace of wellness is going to have a positive impact on employees, especially those returning from leave who are already stressed about what's coming. More and more companies are realizing that nothing compares to a calm and relaxing work environment and that nothing kills productivity more than stress and burnout. You can try dedicating some time each month to wellness activities like yoga, meditation, workouts, therapy sessions, and nutrition tips.
10. Feedback Sessions
The last thing to do before letting them ease into the new normal is to ask for feedback. You must check in with them and find out what they think about the reboarding experience, what their feelings are about coming back to work, and what you can do to help them further. This way, you're not only collecting data that will make the company better and more responsive, but you're also showing your people that their opinions and feelings matter.
Conclusion
The above employee reboarding activities will help you get started, but it's up to you to decide what's best for your organization and your returning employees' requirements. Consider your company's needs, like goals, resources, and values, when you devise your action plan. Remember that the ultimate objective is to set your staff up for long-term success.
