When onboarding a new employee into your organisation's system, choosing the right method can streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition for the new hire. There are three distinct methods to onboard employees into the employer portal: Manual, Online, and Saff Upload. Each method is designed to cater to different needs and preferences of employers. Below is an in-depth look at each approach.
1. Manual Onboarding
The Manual Onboarding method requires the employer to input all the necessary information about the new employee directly into the system. This method is straightforward but can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large number of employees. It is best suited for smaller organisations or situations where personalised attention to each employee’s data is necessary.
Steps Involved:
- The employer collects all relevant employee information, such as personal details, contact information, tax details, and superannuation preferences.
- Each piece of information is then entered manually into the employer portal.
- Once completed, the employee is officially onboarded and ready to be integrated into the company’s systems and workflows.
Advantages:
- Complete control over the accuracy and detail of the information entered.
- Ideal for organisations with specific or complex data entry requirements.
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming, particularly for large batches of new hires.
- Higher potential for human error during data entry.
2. Online Onboarding
The Online Onboarding method is designed to enhance the new hire’s experience by allowing them to participate in the onboarding process. Here, the employer only needs to enter the employee’s name and email address. The system then automatically sends an invitation to the new employee, prompting them to complete the rest of the onboarding journey themselves.
Steps Involved:
- The employer enters the new employee’s name and email address into the system.
- The system generates and sends an onboarding invitation to the employee via email.
- The employee follows the link provided in the email to complete the required information at their convenience.
- Once all required information is submitted by the employee, the onboarding process is completed.
Advantages:
- Creates an interactive and engaging first experience for the new employee.
- Reduces the administrative burden on the employer.
- Minimises errors since employees enter their own information.
- Minimises risk associated with sharing PII data via email or text
Disadvantages:
- Relies on the employee’s prompt response to the onboarding invitation.
- May require additional follow-up if the employee is not familiar with the system.
3. Saff Upload Onboarding
The Saff Upload method is the most automated of the three. It allows employers to onboard multiple employees at once by uploading a file containing the necessary employee information. This method is particularly useful for large organisations or during bulk hiring periods.
Steps Involved:
- The employer prepares a file containing all the required employee information.
- The file is uploaded to the employer portal.
- The system processes the file and automatically onboards the employees listed in the document.
Advantages:
- Efficient for onboarding large numbers of employees simultaneously.
- Reduces the manual effort involved in data entry.
- Ensures consistency in the information being uploaded.
Disadvantages:
- Requires careful preparation of the file to avoid errors.
- Less personalised than other methods, as it is primarily data-driven.
Conclusion
Choosing the right onboarding method depends on your organisation’s needs, the size of your workforce, and how much control you want over the process. Manual Onboarding is ideal for personalised, hands-on management; Online Onboarding offers an engaging and streamlined experience for the employee; and Saff Upload Onboarding is perfect for efficiency during bulk hires or bulk transfer of existing employees into the employer portal. Understanding these methods allows you to select the best approach for your organisation, ensuring a smooth and effective onboarding process for your new employees.