Does Automated Onboarding Remove the Personal Touch?

When people hear “automated onboarding,” concerns often arise: Does automation replace the human connection that makes a new hire feel genuinely valued? The answer is a resounding no – if done right, automation enhances the personal touch.

Manual onboarding processes are often tedious and time-consuming. Think about it: Is it more welcoming to ask a new hire to fill out form after form, repeating the same personal information? Automated platforms like Onboard Express streamline this process, allowing candidates to complete their documents quickly, sometimes within a single day, even in remote or rural locations. No more delays or reliance on snail mail.

But automation isn’t just about saving time for candidates. It’s about freeing up managers and HR professionals to focus on what really matters – building relationships. By removing the manual workload, hiring managers can prioritise meaningful actions like personal calls, meet-and-greets, or even thoughtful gestures like a welcome email or coffee chat on the first day. This creates an environment where the new hire feels seen, valued, and prepared to succeed.

Automation also ensures operational efficiency. From setting up workstations and fulfilling equipment orders to syncing personal information with payroll systems, the technology reduces errors, increases compliance, and ensures everything is ready on day one. This smooth preparation enhances both the practical and emotional aspects of onboarding.

Ultimately, automated onboarding isn’t about removing the human element; it’s about optimising the process to allow HR and managers to focus on what truly counts – making meaningful, human connections with new employees.