Onboarding for the cutting-edge enterprise
Simplify your employee onboarding process with the ICE CUBE Framework, a structured approach designed for HR and L&D professionals. This framework supports the creation of effective, scalable induction programs that help new hires integrate quickly and succeed from their first day.
Onboarding as the Start of Continuous Learning
An effective employee onboarding program creates the foundation for ongoing professional development. By implementing a structured induction process, HR and L&D professionals can ensure new hires gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and grow within the organization. The ICE CUBE Framework provides a clear method to design onboarding programs that support continuous learning and employee engagement.
Download the ICE CUBE Planner
Download the ICE CUBE Planner
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ICE CUBE Planner Toolkit to plan and implement your induction program.
The toolkit contains a detailed writeup on the ICE CUBE Framework along
with Excel Worksheets and Case Studies to guide you along the way.
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Access the ICE-CUBE Toolkit
This comprehensive toolkit provides a structured, actionable approach to designing and implementing a highly effective onboarding experience. With clear steps and essential resources, it covers everything from content planning and communication strategies to platform setup and coordination. Paired with our in-depth whitepaper, the ICE CUBE Toolkit empowers you to create engaging, scalable onboarding programs that drive long-term employee success.
Introduction
The Importance of Employee Onboarding
Onboarding is the first impression employees have of their new workplace, and it sets the tone for their success within the company. A well-structured onboarding program is a critical part of ensuring new hires are not only welcomed but also prepared for their roles. However, many organizations still struggle to create impactful, effective induction programs. The ICE CUBE Engagement Framework offers a strategic solution to this challenge by focusing on content, communication, and coordination. This framework is designed to enhance employee engagement, increase retention, and drive productivity right from day one.
Incorporating the latest in onboarding best practices, the ICE CUBE framework delivers a balanced mix of instructor-led training (ILT), coaching, and e-learning, offering a comprehensive, scalable, and engaging experience for all new hires.
Step 1
Defining What Employees Need to Learn
The foundation of any successful onboarding program is its content. Understanding what new employees need to know is crucial to building a meaningful employee induction program. The Content Planning phase of the ICE CUBE Engagement Framework focuses on identifying and organizing the most important information that new hires must absorb during their onboarding.
The content is divided into three key categories:
Information: This covers the factual knowledge necessary for employees to understand the broader context of their role. This includes industry trends, company history, and organizational structure.
Concepts: Beyond facts, new hires must understand the concepts that guide their daily work, such as job-specific skills, departmental workflows, and internal processes.
Expectations: Clearly outlining performance standards, behavioral norms, and compliance requirements is essential for setting the right tone in a new hire’s journey.
By categorizing onboarding content this way, organizations can ensure that employees are not just informed but also prepared to take on the responsibilities of their new roles.
Download the full guide to the ICE CUBE Framework to explore detailed content planning strategies.
Step 2
Delivering Content Effectively
Once the content is defined, the next step in the onboarding process is to decide how to effectively communicate that information to new hires. Communication Planning is integral to ensuring that the content is delivered in a way that resonates with employees and supports their learning journey.
The ICE CUBE Engagement Framework recommends a blended approach to learning, integrating three key delivery methods:
Instructor-led Training (ILT): These face-to-face or virtual sessions are ideal for deep-diving into company culture, policies, and core values. They provide a collaborative environment that fosters discussion and questions.
Coaching: Coaching provides new employees with real-time, on-the-job feedback. A mentor or manager offers personalized guidance to help the new hire integrate into the team and perform job-specific tasks.
E-learning: Self-paced, online learning modules allow employees to access training content at their convenience. This method is perfect for delivering compliance training, product knowledge, and continuous learning resources.
Combining these delivery methods ensures that learning is dynamic, engaging, and adaptable to the needs of each employee.
Download the full guide to the ICE CUBE Framework for more on effective communication planning in onboarding.
Step 3
Organizing the Onboarding Process
The design of your employee onboarding program is crucial to ensuring that new hires have an enriching and effective experience. The Onboarding Program Design phase of the ICE CUBE Engagement Framework focuses on creating a structured and engaging learning path that guides employees through each stage of their induction journey.
Key stages of this phase include:
Pre-boarding: Before a new hire even sets foot in the office, you can begin the onboarding process. This includes sending a welcome kit, providing access to e-learning modules, and introducing the company’s values and policies.
Onboarding: The first month of the program should focus on company culture, job-specific training, and team integration. Structured activities like introductions, role training, and job shadowing are essential.
Continuous Learning: Onboarding doesn’t end after the first month. Continuous learning ensures that employees continue to develop and grow in their roles through ongoing training, regular performance reviews, and mentoring.
By structuring the program in phases, new employees have time to absorb information without feeling overwhelmed, and they can gradually take on more responsibility as they become more comfortable in their role.
Download the full guide to the ICE Cube Framework to dive deeper into designing a successful onboarding program.
Step 4
Structuring the Employee Journey
The design of your employee onboarding program is crucial to ensuring that new hires have an enriching and effective experience. The Onboarding Program Design phase of the ICE CUBE Engagement Framework focuses on creating a structured and engaging learning path that guides employees through each stage of their induction journey.
Key stages of this phase include:
Pre-boarding: Before a new hire even sets foot in the office, you can begin the onboarding process. This includes sending a welcome kit, providing access to e-learning modules, and introducing the company’s values and policies.
Onboarding: The first month of the program should focus on company culture, job-specific training, and team integration. Structured activities like introductions, role training, and job shadowing are essential.
Continuous Learning: Onboarding doesn’t end after the first month. Continuous learning ensures that employees continue to develop and grow in their roles through ongoing training, regular performance reviews, and mentoring.
By structuring the program in phases, new employees have time to absorb information without feeling overwhelmed, and they can gradually take on more responsibility as they become more comfortable in their role.
Download the full guide to the ICE Cube Framework to dive deeper into designing a successful onboarding program.
Step 5
Leveraging Technology to Support Onboarding
In today’s digital age, technology plays a key role in employee onboarding. The Platform Setup step of the ICE CUBE Engagement Framework ensures that organizations have the right tools and systems in place to deliver and track onboarding content effectively.
This involves:
Selecting the Right Platform: Whether using an LMS (Learning Management System) or a custom-built onboarding portal, it’s important to choose a platform that integrates seamlessly with existing HR systems and provides an intuitive user experience.
Platform Features: A strong onboarding platform should provide features such as progress tracking, quizzes and assessments, feedback mechanisms, and social learning opportunities.
Integration: Ensure the platform is compatible with other company tools (e.g., HR software, payroll systems) to ensure a smooth transition from the onboarding phase into regular employee management.
By leveraging technology, organizations can scale their onboarding efforts, ensuring that every new hire has access to the resources they need, anytime, anywhere.
Download the full guide to the ICE CUBE Framework for detailed insights on setting up your onboarding platform.
Creating a Seamless Onboarding Experience
The ICE CUBE Engagement Framework offers a strategic, comprehensive approach to employee onboarding, designed to enhance new hire engagement, reduce turnover, and accelerate productivity. By focusing on content planning, communication strategies, and coordination, companies can create a structured yet flexible onboarding process that ensures new employees feel valued, supported, and prepared for success.
By adopting the ICE CUBE framework, organizations can not only improve their onboarding efficiency but also foster long-term employee engagement and retention.
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