Revised Formal Report Proposal

To:                   Dr. Erika Paterson

From:              Samantha Lee

Date:               October 14, 2021

Subject:           Proposal for Researching the Feasibility of Improving Onboarding for New Tech Hires at Article, Vancouver

Introduction

In response to Covid-19, Article (online furniture company) is actively hiring software engineers to work remotely from different countries. Unable to visit the office, new hires are onboarded virtually, relying on online resources to adjust to their new work environment. Onboarding tasks include receiving shipped equipment, meeting the team via Zoom, and discovering key principles and technologies that are used when working at Article.

During the onboarding period, engineers set up their computers, installing software that are required for developing Article technology. They also learn about computer programs that support the company website, including the programs’ code structure, programming practices and testing procedures (how to test new code). Without in-person assistance, new hires complete these tasks by reading online documentation and consulting co-workers online.

Intended Audience of Report

The report will be addressed to Tahseen Fida, Engineer Director at Article. As head of the Engineering department, Tahseen has the authority to approve changes made to Article’s onboarding process for new tech hires.

Statement of Problem

The current onboarding process is insufficient for remote hires, negatively impacting their productivity and mental health. Despite having online documentation, new engineers experience technical difficulties when setting up their computers, delaying their ability to develop software. When these developers seek help, co-workers are busy with meetings and assigned tasks, making it difficult to quickly address issues. New hires then feel discouraged, isolated from the team, and insecure with their decision to join Article.

Proposed Solution

One possible solution is to revise the current onboarding process, making changes to solve the above issues. Some companies have mentorship programs, providing new hires with mentors for efficient computer setup and knowledge sharing. Scheduling online socials gives remote workers the opportunity to build connections with their team. Updating online documentation with detailed and concise explanations also improves new developers’ understanding of onboarding information.

Scope

I plan to write a feasibility report, analysing the current onboarding process and providing recommendations for improvement. The report will address the following inquiries:

1. What has been done well in the current onboarding process and what could be improved?
2. What are feasible solutions to improve the onboarding experience?
3. What are the costs and consequences of implementing these solutions?

Methods

Primary research will involve interviews with two Article employees: Naseem Hammoud (Software Engineer) and Sarah Hemsley (Operations Specialist in People and Culture). Naseem joined Article last month and has worked in the tech industry for nine years, experiencing the onboarding process at Article and other companies. Sarah organizes onboarding activities and events for new hires. Apart from interviews, a survey will be used to gather feedback from Article developers on the current onboarding process.

Secondary sources such as online publications will provide insight on key characteristics of an effective onboarding process, as well as potential onboarding solutions.

Qualifications

I am a 4^th year Bachelor of Computer Science student who will graduate in December 2022. Completing two co-op terms, I have onboarding experience from two different companies. My current position as a software engineer intern at Article creates the opportunity to research an effective onboarding plan for the company.

Conclusion

Revising the onboarding process is crucial for improving the productivity and mental health of new hires. By researching the scoped topics, I can develop a feasible plan for improving the onboarding experience at Article. With your approval, I will promptly begin the investigation.