Ever-Boarding: The Onboarding That Never Ends (and Why That's a Good Thing)

Remember that first day at a new job? The nervous excitement, the awkward introductions, the mountain of paperwork...Onboarding is supposed to smooth that transition, but let's be honest, it often feels more like a whirlwind tour than a deep dive. And once it's over, you're pretty much on your own.

But what if onboarding wasn't just a one-time thing? What if it was an ongoing process that kept everyone in the loop, from the newbies to the seasoned veterans? That's the idea behind ever-boarding, and it's about to change the way you think about employee engagement.

So, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of ever-boarding and why it might just be the secret sauce your company's been missing.

A Fresh Take on an Old Concept

Ever-boarding takes the traditional onboarding model and gives it a much-needed upgrade. It's the recognition that onboarding isn't just about those first few awkward days or weeks; it's an ongoing process that benefits everyone in your organization, from the newest intern to the most seasoned executive.

Imagine this: once a year, everyone in your company, regardless of their role or tenure, participates in a revitalized onboarding experience. It's a chance to hit the reset button, get everyone back on the same page, and reignite that sense of shared purpose and excitement.

Think of it like an annual company-wide retreat, but instead of focusing solely on team-building activities or strategic planning, ever-boarding combines elements of learning, development, and cultural reinforcement. It's an opportunity to refresh knowledge, update skills, and strengthen the bonds that tie your team together. 

In essence, ever-boarding is about creating a culture of continuous learning and growth, where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. It's about recognizing that the world is constantly changing, and your company needs to adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the curve.

So, instead of treating onboarding as a one-time event, ever-boarding transforms it into a dynamic, ongoing process that keeps everyone engaged, informed, and aligned with your company's vision.

The Ever-Boarding Advantage

Ever-boarding isn't just a fancy term—it's a practical way to improve your company in some key ways:

Keeps Everyone in the Loop: Things change fast. New policies pop up, technology evolves, and industry keeps moving. Ever-boarding makes sure nobody gets left behind. It's like a regular refresher course, so everyone's always on the same page and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

Builds a Stronger Team: Company culture isn't just about free snacks and casual Fridays. It's about the shared values and how people work together. Ever-boarding gives you a chance to remind everyone what your company stands for and why it matters. It's like a team huddle, getting everyone pumped up and working towards the same goals.

Creates a Sense of Belonging: With more people working remotely or in hybrid setups, it's easy to feel disconnected.Ever-boarding brings everyone together, no matter where they are or what they do. It reminds people that they're part of something bigger and helps build those connections that make a team strong.

Keeps People Engaged: Let's be honest, work can get a bit routine. Ever-boarding shakes things up and gives people a chance to learn and grow. It shows that you care about their development, which makes them more likely to stick around and be excited about their work.

In short, ever-boarding helps you:

• Stay up-to-date and avoid knowledge gaps.

• Build a stronger company culture.

• Create a sense of belonging and connection.

• Keep your employees engaged and motivated.

Ever-boarding isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about investing in your people and creating a workplace where everyone thrives.

Implementing Ever-Boarding

Ever-boarding sounds great in theory, but how do you actually make it work? Here are some down-to-earth tips:

Make it Fun and Engaging: Ditch the boring lectures and PowerPoint presentations. Instead, think about incorporating games, interactive activities, and hands-on exercises into your ever-boarding sessions. For example, you could host a company-wide trivia game about your company's history, values, and products, or organize a team-building exercise where employees work together to solve a challenge related to their roles. The key is to create an environment where people are actively participating and having fun while they learn.

Keep it Relevant and Personalized: Generic, one-size-fits-all content is unlikely to resonate with your employees. Tailor the ever-boarding experience to their specific needs and interests. This could involve creating different tracks for different departments or offering a variety of sessions that employees can choose from based on their individual goals and learning styles. For instance, your sales team might benefit from a session on the latest sales techniques, while your marketing team might prefer a workshop on social media trends.

Make it a Priority and Schedule it Regularly: Ever-boarding shouldn't be an afterthought or something you squeeze in whenever there's a spare moment. Treat it as a priority and schedule it regularly, just like any other important meeting or event. This demonstrates your commitment to employee development and ensures that ever-boarding becomes an ingrained part of your company culture. Consider scheduling ever-boarding sessions quarterly or biannually, and make sure to communicate the schedule clearly to all employees. 

Seek and Act on Feedback: After each ever-boarding session, actively seek feedback from your employees. Ask them what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what could be improved. This feedback is invaluable for refining your approach and ensuring that ever-boarding continues to deliver value over time. You could use surveys, feedback forms, or even informal conversations to gather this information. Remember, the goal is to create an ever-boarding experience that truly benefits your employees and helps them grow.

A Win-Win for Everyone

In the grand scheme of things, ever-boarding isn't just a one-off event or a quick fix. It's a long-term investment in your company's most valuable asset: its people. By committing to ongoing learning and development for everyone, regardless of their tenure or position, you're fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and adaptability.

Think of it this way: ever-boarding is like regularly servicing your car. Sure, you could skip those oil changes and tire rotations, but eventually, you'll end up with a breakdown. The same goes for your team. Neglecting their development might seem harmless in the short term, but it can lead to disengagement, knowledge gaps, and ultimately, a less productive and less cohesive workforce.

Ever-boarding is about more than just keeping up with the latest trends or technologies; it's about empowering your employees to reach their full potential. By providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to learn and grow,you're not just improving their skills; you're building their confidence, fostering their loyalty, and creating a sense of shared purpose that can propel your company to new heights.

So, the next time you're tempted to skip that annual onboarding session or dismiss it as a formality, remember the long-term benefits of ever-boarding. It's an investment that will pay dividends for years to come, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, connected, and inspired to achieve their best.