Program Design

Onboarding is more than a checklist. It is a critical part of setting new hires up for success, especially during the preemployment phase. Even in an employer-driven market, how organizations welcome and support new employees from the start shapes engagement, retention, and long-term performance. Drawing from experience designing onboarding programs and corporate universities, the author shares three essential elements every organization should include to help new hires feel confident, connected, and aligned from day one.

Branding employee development programs is essential for building engagement, trust, and cultural alignment. Seven practical strategies can help elevate programs, including aligning with company identity, creating a memorable name and visual identity, involving leaders, telling a compelling story, and making learning accessible. With over two decades of experience designing corporate universities, the author emphasizes that when development is intentionally designed and well-branded, it becomes an integral part of the company’s culture, not just a separate initiative.