Starting a new job in a bank is both exciting and demanding.To ensure a successful onboarding, it’s essential to follow key steps. Whether you’re a manager or part of the HR team, effective onboarding is crucial for the new employee’s performance, engagement, and retention.

1. Pre-onboarding

As a manager or onboarding coordinator, your involvement begins before the employee’s first day. Between the contract signing and the actual start date—which can range from 24 hours to several weeks depending on the company—it’s important to stay connected with the future employee.

Your role during this period is to reassure, inform, and foster a sense of belonging. Consider sending a message the day before the onboarding begins. Don’t forget to:

• Prepare the workstation and IT tools

• Anticipate administrative documents (contract, access, badge, etc.)

• Inform the team about the new hire and their role

• Prepare a welcome pack

2. The Welcome Pack

A welcome pack makes a strong, positive impression on a new employee. It shows you value their arrival and have taken time to prepare for it. This kit can include:

• A welcome note

• A company brochure (history, values, structure, etc.)

• Some branded goodies (pen, notebook, mug, etc.)

• Practical information (internal tools, useful contacts, dress code, cafeteria access, etc.)

3. Getting Familiar with the Company Culture

Company culture is key to a successful onboarding. It defines the work environment, how communication and decision-making are handled, and internal habits. Encourage the newcomer to:

• Take part in informal events (team lunches, coffee breaks, after-work gatherings)

• Ask questions and observe interactions

• Read internal communications or recent project summaries

4. Assigning a Mentor

Assigning a mentor is an excellent way to support integration. The mentor serves as a reference point, available to answer questions and guide the new employee through their tasks. It’s also a rewarding experience for the mentor, helping them develop soft skills and leadership abilities.

5. Involving the Whole Team

Onboarding isn’t just the responsibility of HR or the manager—it’s a team effort. Every team member has a role to play.

This can include:

• Introducing themselves and explaining their role

• Sharing tips or best practices

• Offering help during the first few weeks

• Regularly checking in to see how things are going

Successfully onboarding a new employee in a bank requires preparation, structure, and empathy.
Creating a welcoming, motivating, and inclusive environment fosters trust, improves performance, and strengthens team cohesion.