Onboard Meaning: Definition and Examples
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onboard
[ˈɒnbɔrd ]
Definitions
employee integration
To onboard means to integrate new employees into an organization by providing them with the necessary resources, training, and knowledge about the company's culture and processes. This process ensures that employees feel welcomed and properly equipped to perform their roles.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The company has a thorough onboarding process for new hires.
- They designed a program to onboard employees more effectively.
- Onboarding new staff is crucial for team cohesion.
- We need to streamline our onboarding procedures.
ship or aircraft
Onboard refers to something that is situated on or within a vehicle, such as a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft. It can indicate activities, equipment, or passengers that are present within the conveyance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- There are onboard facilities for entertainment.
- Safety instructions are provided onboard the flight.
- All onboard passengers must wear their seatbelts.
- The onboard team is responsible for passenger safety.
Interesting Facts
Business Culture
- In corporate settings, being 'onboard' refers to new employees who are getting acclimated to their roles.
- Effective onboarding processes can enhance employee satisfaction and increase retention rates.
- Motivated teams often show higher productivity when all members feel fully onboard with the company’s vision.
Technology
- In tech apps, onboarding guides help new users understand features and navigate effectively.
- 'Onboarding' is vital in software deployment to ensure smooth user experiences from the start.
- Companies often focus on mobile onboarding to keep users engaged right after app download.
Psychology
- Feeling onboard with a group can foster a sense of belonging and community among members.
- Cohesion within teams often increases when everyone feels they are all onboard with decisions and goals.
- Psychological ownership increases when team members feel fully onboard in collaborative environments.
Education
- Educational institutions often use onboarding for new students to help them adjust and feel welcomed.
- Effective onboarding can enhance student engagement and improve retention rates in schools.
- Instructors often onboard students with orientation programs to set clear expectations and foster community.
Origin of 'onboard'
Main points about word origin
- This word originated from the combination of 'on' and 'board,' where 'board' refers to a ship or aircraft.
- Initially, it was used in nautical contexts relating to getting onto a ship, dating back to the 1400s.
- Over time, it evolved to describe not just travel but also joining any group or organization.
The term 'onboard' originates from the early 19th century, combining 'on' with 'board', which means to get onto a ship or an aircraft. The concept of boarding a vessel dates back to maritime traditions, as ships have historically been the primary means of travel and transportation over water. The idea of integrating people into a system or organization emerged later, paralleling the onboarding of passengers onto ships. As the workplace evolved and industries expanded, the term 'onboard' adapted to include the processes and strategies involved in equipping new employees for their roles. This shift reflects the growing understanding of workplace culture and the importance of effective integration in human resources practices. Today, 'onboarding' is commonly used in corporate settings to refer to structured programs designed to introduce new hires to their roles and the organization as a whole.