Preboarding in Food & Beverage: How to Set Up New Hires for Success

October 28, 2024 in HR Best Practices

 

Laurie Hyllberg

Laurie champions Kinsa Group’s position as the top food and beverage recruiting firm in the nation and its presence in the global FMCG marketplace. To her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Business Management, and Marketing she adds over 20 years of executive search experience in the food and beverage industry at Kinsa. Building a network of executives and professionals through membership in the Women’s Foodservice Forum, Institute of Food Technologists, FaB Wisconsin, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and maintaining professional expertise in recruiting as an Executive Board Member for the Recruiters Of Wisconsin association, Laurie is able to connect top talent in the food industry with food and beverage processors and foodservice providers growing their teams at the C-Suite, VP, Director, and Management level. Connect with Laurie today!

 

Preparing new hires for success is an exercise that begins well before their inaugural day at work. This preparatory stage, often referred to as preboarding, is a fundamental yet frequently overlooked phase of the hiring process, even in the food and beverage industry. Preboarding lays the groundwork for a seamless transition and ensures new employees walk in feeling prepared, appreciated, and ready to contribute from day one.

Preboarding acts as the connective tissue between the offer letter and the employee’s first day on the job. It allows new hires to orient themselves with the company culture, gain clarity about their role, and amass vital information ahead of time. In the food processing, distribution, or food service industry, where details can make or break operations, a well-structured preboarding process can be transformative.

Understanding the Power of Preboarding in Food & Beverage

According to CareerBuilder, only 47 percent of employers say they have a formal process in place for communication and interactions between the time of hire (accepted offer) and the start date. Preboarding represents the opening chapter of an employee’s journey within any organization. Think of it as the appetizer before the main course – a chance to captivate and align new talent while providing a solid basis for their engagement with the company. This stage extends its benefits far beyond simple orientation; it functions as a coordinated introduction to the team and the brand’s ethos, turning the honeymoon period into a fulfilling long-term relationship.

1. Exploring Core Principles through Creative Touchpoints

The cornerstone of a remarkable preboarding experience is the utilization of creative touchpoints that impart both knowledge and engagement. For example, virtual meet-and-greets can ease intimidation, allowing new hires to grasp the energy and vision of their team even before entering the physical workspace. Imagine a virtual coffee break: an informal yet impactful introduction where trust can start forming early. Crafting these moments is crucial as they narrate a story centered on inclusion and hospitality, which are fundamental elements in any food and beverage enterprise.

2. Tailored Training: Cultivating Confidence and Competence

Effective preboarding should transcend traditional onboarding videos. It demands customization according to the distinctiveness of the role and the specific workplace environment. For newcomers in food production roles, video guides on machinery operations or comprehensive walkthroughs of production lines can offer practical and essential insights. Tailored training modules designed to equip employees with specific skills and knowledge—whether that’s understanding intricate supply chain processes or adhering to strict food safety protocols—ensures they arrive on their first day exuding confidence. The overarching aim is not solely information dissemination but the instillation of readiness and assurance, which are vital in sectors with high food safety risks like the food and beverage industry.

3. Emphasizing the Brand’s Mission and Values

Every company in food and beverage has a unique narrative, and preboarding provides the perfect stage to communicate this story compellingly. Through interactive digital content or engaging storytelling sessions, the introduction of the company’s mission and values can imbue new hires with a deep sense of purpose. For example, sharing success stories where these principles played a pivotal role can inspire and galvanize new team members. Such narratives bridge the personal values of employees with the company’s broader objectives, enhancing not only retention rates but fostering active engagement and advocacy.

4. Facilitating Familiarity with Technology and Processes

In an industry where technology is forever evolving, ensuring new hires are savvy with the necessary tools is non-negotiable. Think about hands-on digital tutorials or interactive learning platforms where employees can experiment with order management systems or recipe development software ahead of time. This proactive stance not only minimizes the learning curve but also underscores the company’s commitment to the employee’s successful integration, evaluating readiness beyond mere skill acquisition and emphasizing comfort and ease.

5. Nurturing Cultural Integration with Peer Support

While formal training holds its significance, the value of peer support can never be underestimated. Assigning a ‘work buddy‘ to new hires can significantly smooth their transition period. This peer can provide insights that aren’t commonly detailed in manuals—like navigating the workplace’s unspoken cultural norms or recommending the best spots for team lunch outings—thus fostering an environment of inclusion and camaraderie from day one.

6. Leveraging Preboarding for Competitive Advantage

For small and medium-sized food and beverage companies striving to carve out a niche within the fiercely competitive food and beverage market, a thorough preboarding process can serve as a clandestine weapon. When newcomers feel instantly valued and suitably assimilated, they are more likely to deliver exceptional performance and exhibit prolonged loyalty. Smaller organizations can often afford to deploy personalized welcome packages, company merchandise, or heartfelt notes from the leadership to impart an intimate and thoughtful feel to the onboarding process. This personal touch sets them apart from larger, less adaptable employers, showcasing that preboarding is about cultivating substantial engagements, not just completing a formal checklist.

Kinsa’s Placed Candidate Check-ins

At Kinsa Group, we believe in staying connected with the talented professionals we place in the food and beverage industry. Below, hear directly from candidates as they share their experiences with the onboarding process and settling into their new roles.

Here’s what they have to say about how it’s going so far:

  • “I am busy and challenged each day. I am doing things that I am accustomed to doing so it seems like it was a great role for me. I am already contributing to the team and the company so that feels nice and fulfilling.” – VP of Quality, Food Processing
  • “Very productive atmosphere.” – Production Supervisor, Snack Foods Manufacturing
  • “It is going great but still learning the curves.” – Dairy Sales Account Manager
  • “The job is challenging and fulfilling and it’s clear I’m the right person for it. That said, there are ample opportunities for organizational development for successful cross-functional collaboration. – Research and Development Manager
  • “I enjoy going in to work every day!!” – Plant Manager, Cheese Processing
  • [Received] “Orientation plan upon onboarding which is good.” – Production Manager, Beverage Processing

In summary, preboarding within the food and beverage industry is a robust strategy that underscores a company’s investment in its people. By embracing these methodologies, food businesses not only secure their talent but also nurture a culture of trust, engagement, and a united vision—key ingredients for thriving in the industry. As a dedicated recruitment partner, Kinsa Group understands the pivotal role preboarding plays in setting the stage for success, reflecting a commitment to fostering growth, both professionally and organizationally.

Ready to Elevate Your Hiring Process? Contact Kinsa Group Today!

Preboarding is a powerful tool for ensuring new hires are prepared, confident, and engaged before they even step foot into your workplace. At Kinsa Group, we specialize in connecting food and beverage companies with top-tier talent and guiding you through the entire hiring process—preboarding included! If you’re ready to enhance your onboarding experience and ensure long-term success with your new team members, reach out to Kinsa Group today.

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