Starting a new role can be in equal measure, exciting and daunting – and trying to get to sleep the night before you start at a new company, well, it isn’t always easy.

In my role, I’m always curious to ask people about their onboarding experiences. The typical response is: “I was shown my desk, given a laptop, an email address and left to read some compliance documents”. At AND, this approach isn’t an option.

Our business success is driven by our ANDis (the collective name of our employees). This is one of the reasons why we ensure every ANDi feels welcome before they start.

So, why do we believe that properly embedding new starts into our culture and ways of working is so powerful for both the individuals and business overall?

Tech is all about people

When we started AND Digital in 2014, we set about understanding and instilling the essence of what determines success in our technology-driven world. Since then, we have purposefully implemented the patterns, ways of operating, capabilities and mindset to build and scale. While we have been successful in doing so, we have kept our focus on a people-first culture.

We believe that tech is all about people. We work very hard to build and nurture a mindset and capabilities to enable an environment for people to grow, both personally as well as professionally. We apply this knowledge and strategic approach also to our clients, working with them to accelerate their digital delivery and support them in building their in-house capabilities.

Straight out of the start blocks

We’ve developed an exceptional onboarding programme to give our newbies the best chance of success at AND. Helping new ANDis with the adjustment to a hybrid work environment, positive job attitudes and short communication lines, creates high levels of engagement and trust from the start.

The onboarding programme is led by a dedicated team. We are a separate function to our HR team which gives us laser beam focus to create a safe and secure environment for everyone at AND.

The pre-boarding process begins soon after an ANDi has signed their contract. We are in constant communication and always available for questions. Everyone receives a (very cool) AND Welcome pack! We also create more bespoke onboarding plans for some of our ANDis.

All new starts get access to a dedicated onboarding portal 21 days before they start. It includes useful information and small tasks. It also allows them to introduce themselves to others starting on the same onboarding programme, enabling connections to start forming.

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We acknowledge that everyone has a different style of learning. Our onboarding programme is designed to cover all key learning styles to ensure everyone gets the best experience.

We also partner each ANDi with a buddy. This is someone already doing a similar role at AND who can be there to support whenever necessary, and is available before day one and for the first six months of being in the role. This way you already have a friend even before you join the company!

ANDuction & Bootcamps

Structure is the key to an effective onboarding programme. Mapping out a process that strikes the right balance between being engaging, useful, fun and authentic is crucial in helping our ANDis feel comfortable.

We do this by running a week-long ANDuction where we introduce ANDis to our culture, ways of working, our values and our organisational structure. But most importantly, we ensure that each ANDi understands that at AND, we bring our authentic selves to work.

Our founder and CEO, Paramjit Uppal, introduces this week by setting the scene, giving his vision for AND, outlining where we are in that journey and the challenges that come with rapid growth. We host a Master Chef lunch along with socials and challenges throughout.

Recommended

• Leader Insights | Charting the rise of cloud native
• Scottish EDGE invests £1.5m in 40 early stage, high-growth businesses
• Know-it expands its team with a new head of product

Our programme has been designed using the 6Cs of onboarding, developed by Dr Bauer and published by the SHRM Foundation (Society for Human Resource Management). It includes: compliance, clarification, connection, culture, check-back and confidence.

Depending on the nature of the role, ANDis will complete an additional 2-week ANDbootcamp to gain technical insight into Agile ways of working. The third week is what we call “Build Week”. This gives all of our new ANDis the opportunity to collaborate and put all their learnings and knowledge into practice in a safe learning environment.

Continuous learning and development

Once our ANDis land into their respective teams, they start their online learning as a continuation of the onboarding programme. We’ve also recently launched touch points in months three and six to host a reunion with everyone who started together to celebrate successfully completing the probation period.

Our Academy team guides the ongoing development needs. Each AND has 13 upskilling and innovation days each year.

We strongly believe in investing in our people and offering opportunities for career progression, and personal growth.

Powerful onboarding makes business sense

Providing a powerful onboarding experience develops trust, safety and a sense of belonging. Our ANDis feel valued from the beginning and are excited to get started in their new roles.

We’re committed to growing a culture of happy employees who bring their best selves to work. It’s what we do for our clients. We walk our talk from the inside out.

AND Digital is a tech company which supports companies to enhance their digital capabilities. Our mission is to close the digital skills gap. AND Digital’s Onboarding Programme achieved two gold awards (IHR, Learning Awards) in 2022.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.