Let’s take a look at how one of the largest entertainment providers and one of the most popular streaming services in the world is onboarding new employees. We will look at the key steps of the onboarding process in this Netflix company, which will give you a good example.
Netflix is constantly looking for new employees. According to the Netflix website, they are hiring around 10,000 people right now. In fact, there are over 3,000 job openings for customer-facing positions. Netflix needs that many employees because their technology is very complicated.
In the article find out more about Netflix onboarding process and the steps their employees go through to get started.
About the Netflix organization
Netflix produces and streams thousands of episodes, in every possible genre, including the original series. Netflix is constantly looking for new employees.
Ranked 115th on Fortune 500, Netflix which started as a DVD rental business, is now a global subscription streaming service. Founded in August 1997, Netflix is Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, U.S. With huge companies like this we are always curious, so we found out what the Netflix onboarding process is like.
Netflix mainly operates in the Technology & Entertainment Industry. It has the products of Streaming media, Pay television, and Video on demand. It also has the services of Film production, Film distribution, Television production, and Television distribution. As of 2021, Netflix had an employee base of 12,135 people.
Employees functional teams:
- Product
- Content
- Corporate Functions
- Marketing and Publicity
- Games
You can find a further division of specific roles within these functions in Netflix homepage.
Netflix onboarding process for new hires
Let’s have a look at the Netflix employee onboarding process and the steps that employees have to take.
1. Netflix’s Welcome Home Approach
Netflix makes a conscious effort to make the new employees feel ‘welcome home’ from day one. It sets up the new hire for continuous success at the company.
The first day at a job can be overwhelming and confusing for anyone. Netflix ensures that its employees feel grounded, supported, and secured at their new workplace.
2. Pre-boarding
Employee onboarding at Netflix starts way before an employee gets through the door. Netflix sets up the workstation, laptop, and necessary documents for the new hire before their arrival.
It’s a subtle way to show care and compassion for their new team member. It also reflects that the new joiners are doing well.
3. Orientation
A new hire at Netflix goes through a comprehensive orientation stage. The orientation usually runs throughout the first quarter of an employee’s first year at Netflix.
It encompasses a detailed introduction to the company culture, history, values, and vision. Moreover, it also provides vital insights into an employee’s growth and learning curve.
Managers play a key role in a new hire’s onboarding. They support the new joiner at every step and provide periodic feedback. This gesture alone is enough to make a new employee feel ‘welcome home’ in a true sense.
4. Mentor Assignment
Netflix assigns mentors to its new employees for ongoing help and guidance. The mentors assist their new team members with company norms and day-to-day processes.
Mentors ensure that the new hires feel welcome and comfortable. A good mentor makes the transition for their new colleague an easy and pleasant one.
5. Key Projects Assignment
Managers engage new employees with key projects and tasks from the beginning. The purpose is to enable the employee to start contributing the unique value they bring.
It also increases employee engagement and makes the new joiner feel included. Additionally, it builds trust and cultivates ownership between teams.
Final Thoughts
Netflix onboarding process has what it calls a ‘welcome home’ approach. It starts with pre-boarding to set up office space and equipment.
Upon arrival, the first quarter is dedicated to a complete orientation into the company’s vision and values. New hires are assigned mentors for a comfortable start. Moreover, employees are engaging with key projects at the start to get along with the team and add value.
Netflix puts a thorough effort into its employee onboarding. It ensures that the new joiners will be guided and supported throughout the processes.
Check out our other best practice articles on Disney and Starbucks – Here’s What Onboarding at Disney Looks Like and Starbucks Onboarding Process.
FAQ
Does Netflix assign a mentor when onboarding an employee?
Yes, Netflix assigns mentors to its new employees for ongoing help and guidance. The mentors assist their new team members with company norms and day-to-day processes. Mentors ensure that the new hires feel welcome and comfortable.
How Long Does Netflix Onboarding Take?
Upon arrival, the first quarter is dedicated to a complete orientation into the company’s vision and values. Moreover, it also provides vital insights into an employee’s growth and learning curve.
