So, you want to learn some synonyms for onboarding in the workplace.
If you’re worried the term onboarding is a bit generic or repetitive, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will explore the best synonyms to teach you another term for onboarding when you want to write about it.
7 Alternative Ways to Say “Onboarding”
Here are 7 alternatives to show you another word for onboarding in emails and resumes:
- Orientation
- Induction
- Integration
- Initiation
- Familiarization
- Training
- Introduction
1. Orientation
To start, you can use orientation instead of onboarding. We’ve already mentioned it in the previous section, but it’s a great way to show you are taking on new starters.
This term is formal, which is why it works so well in the workplace.
It’s also a very common way to talk about new starters. Most people are brought in through orientation when it comes to starting at a new organization.
So, if you were to ask an employee whether they went through onboarding or orientation, they’ll probably be just as likely to say they did either one.
You can also refer to these examples to learn more about it:
We went through a smooth orientation process. That’s why we have so many new employees ready to take the plunge.
The client orientation experience I received from my last role helped me to understand more about the relationships between clients.
2. Induction
Another word for onboarding is induction. Again, this is a very common and popular word to include in writing when taking on new employees.
This time, we recommend using it when asking a new starter to come in. It’s best to include it in a professional email because it shows you’d like to induct them into an organization.
Generally, most employees expect an induction when starting somewhere new.
So, at some point, you’ll need to send them an introductory email asking them when they’re free to come for their induction.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Adam,
We would like you to come in on Friday for your employee induction. Please let us know if you’re free to do so.
Thank you so much,
Jon Wells
3. Integration
Feel free to use integration as a professional synonym for onboarding. It’s a great way to show that you’re enrolling people into a company.
Generally, we would use this when writing a resume. If you’ve had close links to the integration process in previous roles, this is a great thing to mention when applying for jobs.
Employers will see that you’ve had more of a supervisory or managerial role. This could play in your favor, as it shows you’re responsible and able to help new people.
Here are some great resume examples to help you understand more about it:
I have plenty of experience with integration in the workplace. I’ve helped many new starters fit into different teams and organizations.
It’s good to go through buddy integration in certain places. That way, you’ll always have someone to turn to when you need help.
4. Initiation
Another great term to use instead of saying onboarding is initiation.
It’s very common for workplaces to have an initiation process. This is expected when most people sign up for a role and need to be made familiar with what happens in the company.
Generally, you would use this when describing your familiarity with initiation processes. It might work well on a resume or cover letter to show your experience with them in the past.
You can also review these examples:
Initiation processes can be tricky at first. But once you’ve been through a few of them, they become second nature.
I’m an initiation specialist because I was put in charge of them in my old workplace. I’m very proud of the experience I’ve gained.
5. Familiarization
We recommend trying familiarization to show that you can integrate new starters into a company.
It’s a great way to talk about the enrollment process in your organization. It’s direct and formal, which is a great way to highlight your exposure with onboarding in the past.
You could use something like this when writing a job application. It shows that you’re happy to discuss your experience with a familiarization process in previous jobs.
Feel free to review these examples if you still need help with it:
My familiarization experience helps me to welcome new starters to organizations. I know how to make people feel comfortable.
It’s good to have a comprehensive familiarization process in place for every new employee at a company.
6. Training
Going back to a synonym that works well in emails, you could try training instead of onboarding.
Now, training is a much more general term. It refers to plenty of different things relating to the workplace, but it’s worth using in this context.
You can use training when inviting new starters to training meetings. It’s a great way to get them involved and shows you’re happy for them to learn about your company as quickly as possible.
You should also refer to this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Jodie,
We will be hosting a staff training day on Monday. Please attend, as it will be a great way to integrate you into the team.
Best wishes,
Sean Paul
7. Introduction
Finally, you can use introduction as a formal synonym for onboarding.
This synonym shows that you’re looking to introduce new people to your company. It’s professional and gets to the point quickly.
After all, everyone knows what an introduction is. So, it’s a great way to let people know that you’re welcoming them on board and would like to make their working transition smooth.
Also, feel free to review this email sample:
Dear Michaela,
The introduction process in this organization is quite comprehensive. We hope you’ll find it very welcoming.
Yours,
Mary Lamb
Is It Correct to Say “Onboarding”?
Onboarding is correct to use in professional contexts.
It’s a human resources term that means you’re integrating newly-signed employees into an organization. It basically allows you to fill them in with what’s going on and what’s expected of them.
Generally, it means the same as orientation. Onboarding and orientation both relate to familiarizing someone with a company and taking them on as employees.
Check out the following email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Mr. Jeffries,
We are going through the onboarding process now for new starters. So, we’ll have more news for you once that’s over.
Best regards,
Greg Keating
You can also use onboarding in a resume. This might allow you to explain the type of experience you have related to onboarding.
For example:
I have onboarding experience from my previous workplace. I learned a lot about what’s expected when welcoming new employees.
Also, you may come across onboarding with a hyphen. It’s correct but uncommon to use a hyphen in the term, so it’s usually better to write it as one word.
Variation: Using a hyphen
- Correct: Onboarding
- Correct: On-boarding
Well, onboarding is certainly one of the best terms to use in formal writing. But that doesn’t mean it’s your only choice! You can explore some of our alternatives to see what’s available.
