How Ripple Supports IT Onboarding: First Impressions Matter

A new hire's first few days on the job are the first impressions you’ll make as an employer. A lot of this time will be spent onboarding the employee, making the process one of the most crucial aspects of their first impression. This process can influence the employee’s long-term satisfaction and performance.

As a provider of IT support for small businesses, Ripple understands the importance of making a positive first impression and takes our role in creating one seriously. Our approach to onboarding ensures that new employees feel welcomed and prepared from Day 1. In this post, we’ll delve into how Ripple supports onboarding, enabling a smooth process that creates a great first impression.

Importance of a Smooth Onboarding Process

We wouldn’t make a very good first impression on you if we simply said that you need a smooth IT onboarding process without giving any reasons why. Here’s how streamlining employee onboarding can benefit your newest team members:

• Reduces Stress: Starting a new job is a stressful experience even under ideal circumstances. A disorganized and confusing onboarding process will only add to that stress.
• Boosts Productivity: To maximize new hire productivity, they need to be provided with the necessary equipment and training to use that equipment as quickly as possible.
• Enhances Retention: A poor onboarding experience leaves a bad taste in the mouths of new hires. A smooth onboarding process will result in less employee turnover than a disorganized one and can even improve employee retention by 52%. 
• Builds Company Reputation: Job candidates can easily read about the experiences of current and former employees. Having a reputation for giving employees the support they need will help you attract the best candidates.

TLDR: First impressions matter. Ripple can help you make a good first impression with your new hires by streamlining IT onboarding and creating a smooth offboarding process as well.

Here’s a little insight into what our IT onboarding process for new hires looks like.

New Hire Device Setup

As an IT managed service provider, Ripple handles the tasks needed to get new hires set up for success. One of the primary parts of the onboarding process, from an IT perspective, is providing or preparing devices for the employee to use on the job. Whether these are new or existing devices, we handle everything needed to ensure that the equipment is ready to use as soon as possible. 

Step-by-Step Process

To understand how Ripple supports your company during the onboarding process, you need to understand the steps we take. Below, you’ll find an outline of our general onboarding procedure. Note that an IT new hire checklist can help make the process as smooth as possible.

Initial Ticket Review

The first step starts with you. You’ll build the initial ticket with all the information we’ll need to ensure a smooth process. This involves providing us with the user’s first and last name, the specified device, and whether it is new or existing. We’ll also need to know the shipping address and the employee's start date so we can make sure the device arrives on time.

Receiving Equipment

When we receive the equipment, we’ll begin our process by inspecting and verifying it. We’ll ensure that we have received the correct device and that it’s in working order. The device make and model, serial number, and other key information are then entered into our inventory system. Then, we’ll notify the primary contact that the device has been received before moving to the next step. 

New Computer Setup

With the functionality of the device verified, we’ll begin the process of setting it up. This initial setup is device-specific. It involves any initial setup required by the operating system, naming the device, assigning a unique and secure password to it, and installing any remote access tools that are required for us to effectively manage the device. The setup is done according to the documentation you've provided. We will communicate with you throughout the process.

Backend Setup

The next step is setting up the backend. This is done according to the customization options you need and involves configuring the system to meet all of your requirements and ensuring that all of the software required for the employee to do their job is installed. Access permissions will be set up to ensure the perfect balance between usability and security. During this phase, the engineer working on the setup will communicate with you.

Computer Prep, Packing and Shipping

With all the setup work finished, we’ll prepare the computer for shipping. The device and any accessories are cleaned so they arrive in perfect condition. A physical asset tag is added for identification, and we update the device’s entry with its new location. Finally, we repack the computer in its original packaging along with a Ripple New Hire Welcome Kit and any specific welcome items you want to include and ship it to you or the new hire.

New Hire Follow-Up and First Day

On the new hire's first day, the engineer who completed their setup ensures everything runs smoothly. They assist the new hire with logging in and accessing all necessary systems, addressing any immediate issues. This follow-up guarantees that the equipment works correctly and the new hire feels supported from the start, ensuring a seamless transition into their role.

Streamline Your Onboarding Process

At Ripple, we understand that the first few days of a new hire's experience are critical in setting the tone for their future with your company. By streamlining the IT onboarding process, we ensure that new employees are equipped and ready to contribute from Day 1. Our comprehensive approach, from device setup to backend configuration and shipping, is designed to reduce stress, boost productivity, and enhance employee retention. By making the onboarding process seamless and efficient, Ripple helps you create a positive first impression that resonates with new hires and builds your company’s reputation. Trust us to handle the technicalities so you can focus on welcoming and integrating your new team members. Give us a shout to learn more about how we can support your onboarding efforts.

FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about switching MSPs: 

What should be in an IT onboarding program? 

The onboarding process should include any hardware and software the employee will need to do their job, as well as training to use those tools. To ensure a thorough onboarding process, an IT onboarding checklist can be helpful. 

Why is onboarding important? 

Onboarding is important because it helps new employees become acclimated to their new roles. It allows them to understand the company culture and become productive quickly. 

How can you improve employee onboarding? 

The onboarding process can be streamlined by providing clear and organized information, ensuring that all hardware and software are ready to go on Day 1, and personalizing the experience to the specific needs of the employee.