In HR, what does the term "onboarding" refer to?

Onboarding refers specifically to the process of integrating new employees into an organization. This involves a series of activities aimed at helping new hires acclimate to their roles, understand company culture, complete necessary paperwork, and receive training on policies and procedures. The goal of onboarding is to ensure that new employees feel welcomed, supported, and equipped to succeed in their new positions.

This process is crucial as it sets the foundation for the employee's experience within the organization, helping to reduce turnover and increase job satisfaction. It often includes orientation sessions, introductions to team members, and mentorship opportunities, all designed to foster engagement and connection right from the start.

The other options pertain to different elements of human resource management but do not encapsulate the essence of onboarding. Recruitment involves attracting and selecting candidates, performance appraisal focuses on evaluating employee performance, and exit interviews are conducted when an employee leaves the organization. Each of these serves a distinct purpose within HR, whereas onboarding is specifically about the introduction and integration of new staff members.