Onboarding
Learn about the onboarding process: Discuss and understand its steps, and practice introducing yourself on your first day.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
What does “onboarding” mean to you?
Can you describe the onboarding process you experienced at your current or previous job?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
overwhelmed
/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd/
Feeling like something is too much to handle.
She was overwhelmed by the number of emails in her inbox.
The new employee was overwhelmed by the complex tasks on the first day.
workstation
/ˈwɜrkˌsteɪʃən/
A special desk or area where you do your work, usually with a computer.
Please keep your workstation clean and organized.
The IT team set up my workstation with all the necessary software.
duty
/ˈduːti/
Something you must do because it is expected of you.; a responsibility.
It is my duty to ensure all reports are submitted on time.
She takes her duties as a teacher very seriously.
procedure
/prəˈsiːdʒər/
A way of doing something, usually involving several steps.
There is a specific procedure for handling customer complaints.
The procedure for setting up new software is quite simple.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Reading comprehension
Read the article and answer questions.
Teacher helps student correct their pronunciation.
Short introduction about Onboarding process
The onboarding process helps new employees get started at their new job. It usually has a few important steps. Before the first day, there might be paperwork to complete, and the company might set up a workstation or provide necessary equipment. On the first day, new employees typically meet their team members, tour the office, and learn about the company’s rules. After that, they often receive training on their specific job duties, the software they will use, and other company procedures. It’s also important for new employees to get ongoing support. This could include regular meetings with their boss, feedback sessions, or even a mentorship program. Each company’s onboarding process can be different. Some have a formal and structured approach, while others might be more casual.
Discussion
Is that the same as your experience before?
What do you think is the most important step in the onboarding process?
How do you feel about completing paperwork before the first day?
How important is it to meet team members and tour the office on the first day?
What kind of training do you think is most effective for new employees?
What are the essential elements of an effective onboarding program?
What do you think about inviting drinks and snacks/foods for everyone in the company on your first day at work?
Nowadays, many companies work online/remotely. Do you think onboarding is still necessary?
What challenges have you faced during the onboarding process in your past jobs?
How do you think technology can be used to enhance the onboarding process?
Part 4
Dialogue Practice
Practice the conversation with teacher
Dialogue 1: Conversation between Human Resources (HR) and a new IT quality control (QC) staff
Practice with teacher (HR) – student (New staff)
HR
Hello and welcome! I’m Taylor from HR. It’s great to have you join us. How are you feeling on your first day?
Hi Taylor, thank you! I’m feeling quite excited to start and a bit overwhelmed with everything new.
QC
HR
That’s completely normal. Let’s start by touring your primary workspace and then see other key areas of the company.
They walk towards the new QC workspace
HR
Here’s your desk. You’ve been equipped with all necessary tech and access. If you find you need additional resources, just let me know.
Everything looks perfect, thanks!
QC
HR
Let’s walk through the office. First, the Engineering Department, where you’re based. You’ll be working closely with developers and engineers to ensure software and systems meet our quality standards.
I’m eager to meet the team and dive into the projects.
QC
They continue walking
HR
This is our Customer Support Center. They’ll be essential for gathering user feedback related to technical issues.
It’s good to know where the feedback comes from. I’ll keep in touch with them.
QC
They walk towards a leisure area.
HR
Here’s the break room. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available here. It’s a nice spot for a break and informal chats.
It looks like a great spot for a break. I appreciate having a place to relax and recharge
QC
HR introduces more departments & places to QC…
HR
That’s pretty much it. Let’s head back to your desk. Any questions?
All clear for now. Thanks for the tour, Taylor.
QC
HR
You’re welcome! Remember, I’m here for any further questions. We’ll check in at the end of the week. Have a great start!
Thanks, Taylor! Looking forward to it.
QC
Part 5
Introduce yourself as a new staff
Student will read one of two examples. Then, they can follow to introduce themselves in the onboarding day.
As the new staff tours different departments, you could introduce yourselves using a concise but friendly approach like this:
Hi everyone, I’m Alex, a new member in the Engineering department, focusing on software quality control. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with all of you and learning from your experiences. I hope to support the team effectively and contribute to our projects and our company. Looking forward to your support and a great working relationship. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you!
OR
Hello everyone, I’m Jordan, the new Back-end Developer in the IT department. I’ll be working behind the scenes on our server-side applications and databases. I’m excited to collaborate with each of you and contribute to our ongoing projects. Looking forward to your support and a great working relationship. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you!
Part 6
Listening
Listen to the audio from the video and answer the questions.
What time is Jessica’s lunch break?
Who will Jessica be reporting to at her new job?
What is Jessica asked to focus on during her first few days?
Sample answer
- Jessica's lunch break is at 12:30pm and lasts for one hour.
- Jessica will be reporting to Miss Johnson at her new job.
- Jessica is asked to focus on learning the company's rules and policies during her first few days, and can also start on the orientation paperwork.
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
4 new words in the lesson
Discuss about the onboarding process
Try to introduce yourself in the first day in the company
See you next lesson
Homework
There is no homework today
