FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER – HOW PRE-BOARDING HELPED ELENA SETTLE IN FROM THE START

Elena has just joined the company. As a newly hired marketing manager, she brings plenty of experience – but also a healthy dose of nerves.

Instead of radio silence between signing the contract and her first day, Elena experiences a comprehensive pre-boarding process through Swissteach’s LMS, GLOBAL TEACH®. Even before seeing her desk or sitting in her office chair, she already feels supported – and like a valued part of the team. Those typical first-day jitters are gone, and Elena begins her new role with confidence. But how exactly did her employer succeed where so many others struggle?

SETTLING IN BEFORE DAY ONE: HOW ELENA GAINED CONFIDENCE THROUGH PRE-BOARDING

Just a few hours after accepting her job offer, Elena receives a personalised welcome email. Not a generic message, but one with a personal tone, a clear plan and the important key information she’ll need for her upcoming start. Included is her login for the pre-boarding portal. Elena is curious to see what awaits her.

There she finds:

• Welcome videos from her department and senior management

• Insights into company culture, values, and working methods

• A first look at current projects, tools and internal communication channels

Elena sees many new faces and is pleased to recognise a few names already. The portal feels neither dull nor overwhelming. Everything is clearly structured, modular in design – and easy to explore at one’s own pace. Elena watches a video in the morning, browses the FAQs in the evening and soon thinks: “I know what to expect and what’s important.”

EXCITEMENT INSTEAD OF ANXIETY: HOW PRE-BOARDING EASES FIRST-DAY NERVES

What often begins as nervousness becomes genuine excitement for Elena. Instead of feeling uncertain or nervous about her first day, her pre-boarding experience at the new company offers:

• Orientation: She knows the key processes, procedures and contacts.

• Clarity: She’s aware of what will happen when – and what still needs to be done.

• Getting in touch: The portal allows her to message a future colleague in advance.

These first steps help to build trust. The platform supports not only organisational matters but also helps her mentally settle into her new role.Elena realises: ‘I’m not on my own – and I feel welcome.’ Her image of the first day becomes more relaxed, as more and more pieces fall into place.

DIGITAL, PERSONALISED, WELCOMING: A NEW STANDARD FOR PRE-BOARDING MEASURES

What Elena appreciates most: the pre-boarding experience doesn’t feel like a tool – it feels like an invitation. The content is tailored to her role. The tone is friendly rather than formal. And the E-LEARNING runs smoothly on all her devices.

Some highlights from Elena’s perspective:

• Personalised welcome videos instead of anonymous logins

• Short, interactive learning units instead of static PDF guides

• Fully accessible on laptop, tablet or smartphone

It’s this blend of structure and human touch that really makes a difference. Elena doesn’t feel like just another name on a checklist – she feels like someone people are genuinely looking forward to meeting. Before her first day even begins, she’s already completed most of the pre-boarding checklist and feels thoroughly prepared.

THE TEAM BENEFITS TOO: BETTER PREPARED, FASTER INTEGRATION THROUGH PRE-BOARDING

Pre-boarding is not a one-way process. The team that Elena will soon be joining also takes time to prepare. Responsibilities are clarified early on, tasks are mapped out, and roles are aligned. This means Elena doesn’t arrive as someone nobody quite knows what to do with – or what her actual role is.

The result:

• Clarity within the team before day one

• Fewer tensions during the onboarding phase

• Early social integration

Elena’s colleagues know exactly who’s joining their team and what her role will be, which helps the initial phase run far more smoothly.

STRATEGY WITH STRUCTURE: WHAT DEFINES SUCCESSFUL PRE-BOARDING

Effective pre-boarding should always follow a clear and well-thought-out plan. The essential components:

• Clear structure: Everything is planned from first contact through to the start date.

• Flexibility: Content adapts to the role, location and level of experience.

• Feedback options: New employees can give feedback, helping to continuously improve the process.

With GLOBAL TEACH®, everything is well organised. Elena can explore the platform with curiosity, without feeling pressured. There are no endless info sheets – just short, clear information modules that are easy to absorb. And if she has questions, she can ask them at any time, so she doesn’t feel left to figure things out alone before day one.

CONCLUSION: ELENA’S STORY SHOWS THE IMPACT OF MODERN PRE-BOARDING

Elena doesn’t start her new job feeling nervous – she starts it motivated and well prepared. Not distant – she already feels somewhat connected. For her, pre-boarding made all the difference: she doesn’t feel like the newbie, but like a valued team member.

And the company? It benefits in two ways: Elena integrates into daily operations faster and settles into her role and team with ease.

Pre-boarding isn’t something to brush aside. It signals professionalism and plays a crucial role in making companies more attractive to new talent. The right LMS makes it effortless.

Got curious?

With GLOBAL TEACH® from Swissteach, pre-boarding is designed as a digital, personal and tailored experience. Ensuring the first impression isn’t a matter of luck – but a real advantage from the outset. Send us a REQUEST and make GLOBAL TEACH® part of your pre-boarding strategy.