The term “onboarded” is commonly used in business and HR contexts to describe the process of integrating a new employee or client. While it’s a perfectly acceptable term, relying on it exclusively can limit your communication and make your writing sound repetitive.
This article explores a wide range of alternative phrases and expressions that can enrich your vocabulary and make your communication more engaging and precise. Understanding these alternatives is crucial for anyone involved in recruitment, training, client management, or general business communication, as it allows for more nuanced and effective expression.
This guide is designed for HR professionals, managers, team leaders, and anyone who wants to improve their professional vocabulary. By learning these alternatives, you can communicate more effectively, avoid repetition, and showcase your command of the English language.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Onboarded”
- Structural Breakdown of Onboarding Phrases
- Categories of Alternatives
- Examples of Alternatives
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Onboarded”
The term “onboarded” refers to the process of integrating a new employee or client into an organization or system. It encompasses all the activities involved in helping someone become familiar with the company culture, processes, tools, and people required for them to be productive.
The process usually includes training, paperwork, introductions, and ongoing support. In essence, it’s about making the transition as smooth and efficient as possible.
From a grammatical perspective, “onboarded” is the past participle of the verb “to onboard.” This verb is relatively new to the English language, gaining popularity in recent decades due to the increasing focus on structured employee and client integration processes. As a verb, it can be used in various tenses (e.g., “We are onboarding new employees,” “They have onboarded the client”).
As an adjective, it describes someone who has completed the onboarding process (e.g., “The onboarded team members attended the meeting”).
Structural Breakdown of Onboarding Phrases
Understanding the structure of phrases that replace “onboarded” can help you use them correctly and effectively. These phrases typically involve a verb + object/prepositional phrase combination.
The verb indicates the action being performed (e.g., “trained,” “integrated”), and the object or prepositional phrase specifies who or what is being onboarded or into what they are being integrated (e.g., “the new hires,” “into the team”).
Common structures include:
- Verb + Object: e.g., “We trained the new recruits.”
- Verb + Prepositional Phrase: e.g., “She was integrated into the marketing department.”
- Verb + Object + Prepositional Phrase: e.g., “They introduced the client to the project team.”
Passive voice constructions are also common: e.g., “The new employee was oriented to the company policies.”
Categories of Alternatives
Alternatives to “onboarded” can be grouped into several categories, each emphasizing a different aspect of the integration process.
Welcoming and Integrating
These phrases focus on making the new employee or client feel welcome and part of the organization. This is a crucial first step, creating a positive initial impression.
Training and Educating
These alternatives highlight the educational aspect of onboarding, emphasizing the acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
Familiarizing and Orienting
These phrases emphasize the process of introducing someone to the company’s culture, policies, and procedures. They are about providing context and understanding.
Integrating into the Team/System
These alternatives focus on the process of incorporating the new person into the existing team or system, making them a functional part of the whole.
Activating and Enabling
These phrases highlight the process of giving someone the tools and resources they need to perform their job effectively. It’s about empowering them to contribute.
Examples of Alternatives
The following tables provide numerous examples of alternatives to “onboarded,” categorized by the aspects of the process they emphasize. Each category is further broken down with multiple examples to illustrate the variety of phrases available.
Welcoming and Integrating Examples
This table provides examples of alternatives that emphasize the welcoming and integrating aspects of onboarding, highlighting the initial phase of making someone feel like a part of the organization.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Welcomed aboard | The company welcomed aboard its new CEO with a company-wide announcement. |
| Brought into the fold | After a week of introductions, Sarah felt like she was truly brought into the fold. |
| Incorporated into the team | The new developer was quickly incorporated into the team and started contributing to the project. |
| Integrated into the company | The goal of the onboarding program is to have new hires fully integrated into the company within three months. |
| Made to feel at home | The HR department went above and beyond to make the new employees feel at home. |
| Inducted into the organization | Each year, new members are formally inducted into the organization at the annual gala. |
| Gained as a member | The team gained a valuable new member after the successful onboarding process. |
| Received into the group | The new intern was warmly received into the group by her colleagues. |
| Adopted into the culture | The company values mentorship programs to ensure new hires are quickly adopted into the culture. |
| Assimilated into the workforce | The program helps immigrants to be assimilated into the workforce, providing language and job skills training. |
| Immersed in the environment | The retreat immersed the new team in the environment of collaboration and innovation. |
| Become part of | After the first week, he became part of the daily routines and team interactions. |
| Joined the ranks of | She officially joined the ranks of the marketing team after completing her initial training. |
| Brought on board | We’ve brought several new engineers on board to help with the expanding project. |
| Enfolded into the community | The company picnic helped new staff feel enfolded into the community, making them feel welcome. |
| Welcomed to the fold | The CEO personally welcomed each new employee to the fold. |
| Inaugurated into the system | The new software developers were inaugurated into the system after a week of intensive training. |
| Enlisted in the team | The new recruits were enlisted in the team with a formal welcome ceremony. |
| Installed as a colleague | After the team-building exercises, everyone felt truly installed as a colleague. |
| Found a place within | He quickly found a place within the organization’s tightly-knit structure. |
| Accepted into the family | The HR manager ensured each new starter felt accepted into the family of employees. |
| Comfortable within the setting | The aim of the first week was to make the new hire comfortable within the setting. |
| Settled into the role | After a few weeks, she had settled into the role and was performing exceptionally. |
| Integrated into the culture | The social events helped them become integrated into the culture more quickly. |
Training and Educating Examples
This table focuses on phrases that emphasize the training and educational aspects of onboarding, highlighting the process of learning new skills and knowledge.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Trained in the processes | All new employees are thoroughly trained in the processes before starting their roles. |
| Educated about the company values | During onboarding, new hires are educated about the company values and mission. |
| Instructed on the procedures | The new team members were carefully instructed on the procedures for data entry. |
| Schooled in the software | The IT department schooled the new analysts in the software used for data analysis. |
| Tutored in the best practices | The senior developer tutored the junior developers in the best practices for coding. |
| Coached on the strategies | The sales manager coached the new sales representatives on the strategies for closing deals. |
| Mentored in the company culture | Each new employee is mentored in the company culture by a senior team member. |
| Given instruction in the systems | All new hires are given instruction in the systems they will be using daily. |
| Provided with training on | New employees are provided with training on the company’s security protocols. |
| Given a crash course in | The new marketing team was given a crash course in social media advertising. |
| Acquainted with the tools | The IT team acquainted the new employees with the tools they would be using. |
| Versed in the regulations | They were versed in the regulations concerning data privacy and security. |
| Prepared for the challenges | The training program prepared them for the challenges they might face in their roles. |
| Drilled in the protocols | The security staff were drilled in the protocols for emergency situations. |
| Briefed on the essentials | The new executives were briefed on the essentials of the company’s financial status. |
| Enlightened about the mission | The leadership team enlightened the new staff about the mission of the organization. |
| Informed about the benefits | The HR department informed the new hires about the benefits package. |
| Saturated with the knowledge | The intensive program saturated them with the knowledge required for the role. |
| Equipped with the skills | The workshop equipped them with the skills to handle customer inquiries effectively. |
| Imparted with the wisdom | The senior managers imparted the new leaders with the wisdom gained from years of experience. |
| Shown the ropes | The senior team member showed the new recruit the ropes of the job. |
| Given insight into | The presentation gave them insight into the company’s strategic direction. |
| Provided background on | The briefing provided background on the company’s history and values. |
| Tutored on the software | Each new employee was tutored on the software they would use daily. |
Familiarizing and Orienting Examples
This table features alternatives that emphasize the process of familiarizing and orienting new employees or clients to the company’s culture, policies, and procedures.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Oriented to the company | The new hires were oriented to the company culture and values during the first week. |
| Familiarized with the policies | All employees are familiarized with the policies and procedures outlined in the handbook. |
| Introduced to the team | The new project manager was introduced to the team during the kickoff meeting. |
| Acclimated to the environment | The company helps new employees get acclimated to the environment by providing a mentor. |
| Shown around the office | The HR representative showed the new employee around the office and introduced them to colleagues. |
| Briefed on the protocols | The security team was briefed on the protocols for handling emergencies. |
| Given a tour of the facilities | The visitors were given a tour of the facilities to showcase the company’s capabilities. |
| Informed of the regulations | All employees are informed of the regulations governing their specific roles. |
| Made aware of the resources | New hires are made aware of the resources available to them, such as the employee assistance program. |
| Given an overview of the structure | The presentation gave the new recruits an overview of the structure of the organization. |
| Enlightened about the mission | The CEO enlightened the new staff about the mission and vision of the company. |
| Apprised of the changes | The team was apprised of the changes to the project timeline. |
| Instructed on the procedures | The new clerks were instructed on the procedures for filing and retrieving documents. |
| Notified of the expectations | All new staff are notified of the expectations for their roles. |
| Appraised of the situation | The management team was appraised of the situation regarding the budget constraints. |
| Advised on the best practices | The consultants advised the company on the best practices for data security. |
| Filled in on the details | The project lead filled the new team member in on the details of the ongoing tasks. |
| Updated on the developments | The shareholders were updated on the developments within the company. |
| Shown the ropes of the trade | The experienced craftsman showed the apprentice the ropes of the trade. |
| Presented with the guidelines | The new employees were presented with the guidelines for ethical conduct. |
| Introduced to the system | New users are introduced to the system through a series of tutorials. |
| Given a crash-course on the software | The IT department gave the new employees a crash-course on the software. |
| Provided with a mentor | Each new hire is provided with a mentor to help them navigate the company. |
| Briefed on the company history | The new staff were briefed on the company history and its future goals. |
Integrating into the Team/System Examples
This table presents alternatives that focus on the process of integrating new employees or clients into the existing team or system.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Integrated into the workflow | The goal is to have the new software fully integrated into the workflow by next quarter. |
| Assimilated into the team | After the team-building activities, the new employee felt assimilated into the team. |
| Incorporated into the system | The new data was successfully incorporated into the system after the update. |
| Merged into the culture | The company strives to ensure that all new hires are seamlessly merged into the culture. |
| Embedded within the organization | The new technology was embedded within the organization to improve efficiency. |
| Woven into the fabric of | The company’s values are woven into the fabric of its daily operations. |
| Unified with the department | The new division was unified with the department to streamline the processes. |
| Connected to the network | The new computers were connected to the network for seamless access. |
| Blended into the environment | The new design was blended into the environment to maintain consistency. |
| Aligned with the goals | The new strategies were aligned with the goals of the organization. |
| Harmonized with the objectives | The new policies were harmonized with the objectives of the department. |
| Intertwined with the processes | The new protocols were intertwined with the processes for better security. |
| Joined forces with the team | The consultant joined forces with the team to solve the complex problem. |
| Coalesced with the group | The different departments coalesced with the group to achieve the shared vision. |
| United with the vision | The employees were united with the vision of the company. |
| Synergized with the skills | The new technology synergized with the skills of the team. |
| Linked to the resources | The employees were linked to the resources needed to perform their tasks. |
| Networked with the colleagues | The new hire networked with the colleagues to build relationships. |
| Associated with the projects | The interns were associated with the projects to gain practical experience. |
| Interfaced with the clients | The customer service representatives interfaced with the clients to address their concerns. |
| Embedded in the culture | The new employee quickly became embedded in the culture of the company. |
| Enmeshed in the network | The system was enmeshed in the network to improve data flow. |
| Unified with the company’s mission | The new strategy was unified with the company’s mission for long-term growth. |
| Connected to the company’s goals | Each employee felt connected to the company’s goals, enhancing their motivation. |
Activating and Enabling Examples
This table provides alternatives that emphasize the process of giving new employees or clients the tools and resources they need to perform their job effectively.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Enabled with the resources | New employees are enabled with the resources they need to succeed. |
| Equipped with the tools | The sales team was equipped with the tools to close more deals. |
| Empowered with the knowledge | The training program empowered the employees with the knowledge to make informed decisions. |
| Authorized with the access | The new system administrators were authorized with the access to manage the servers. |
| Activated on the platform | The new users were activated on the platform to start their projects. |
| Granted the permissions | The interns were granted the permissions to access the necessary files. |
| Provided with the credentials | All new hires are provided with the credentials to log into the company network. |
| Given the authority | The managers were given the authority to make decisions on their own. |
| Furnished with the supplies | The office was furnished with the supplies needed for daily operations. |
| Supplied with the equipment | The lab technicians were supplied with the equipment to perform their experiments. |
| Outfitted with the gear | The construction workers were outfitted with the gear to ensure their safety. |
| Prepared with the materials | The teachers were prepared with the materials to conduct their lessons. |
| Armed with the information | The representatives were armed with the information to answer customer inquiries. |
| Entrusted with the responsibility | The supervisors were entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the teams. |
| Licensed to operate | The drivers were licensed to operate the vehicles. |
| Certified to perform | The technicians were certified to perform the maintenance tasks. |
| Cleared to access | The security personnel were cleared to access the restricted areas. |
| Sanctioned to implement | The project managers were sanctioned to implement the new strategies. |
| Commissioned to execute | The consultants were commissioned to execute the project plan. |
| Tasked with the assignment | The interns were tasked with the assignment to gather data. |
| Given the green light | The project was given the green light to proceed to the next phase. |
| Authorized to proceed | The team was authorized to proceed with the development. |
| Enabled to contribute | The new structure enabled each member to contribute effectively. |
| Given the go-ahead | After the review, the project was given the go-ahead. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “onboarded,” consider the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Some phrases are more formal than others, and some are better suited for specific situations.
- Formality: “Integrated” and “incorporated” are generally more formal than “brought on board” or “welcomed aboard.”
- Context: If you’re emphasizing training, use phrases like “trained in” or “educated about.” If you’re focusing on integration, use “integrated into” or “assimilated into.”
- Audience: Consider your audience when choosing a phrase. A technical audience might appreciate more precise terms, while a general audience might prefer simpler language.
It’s also important to maintain consistency in your writing. If you start with “integrated,” stick with similar phrases throughout the document.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using alternatives incorrectly or inappropriately. For example, saying “schooled in the company” instead of “schooled in the software” is grammatically incorrect and doesn’t make sense.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| He was onboarded to the team. | He was integrated into the team. |
| They schooled the company. | They schooled the new hires in the system. |
| She was integrated on the company. | She was integrated into the company. |
| We welcomed them into the project. | We welcomed them aboard for the project. |
| The system was enabled to the team. | The team was enabled with the system. |
| They trained to the company values. | They were trained in the company values. |
| She was familiarized at the policies. | She was familiarized with the policies. |
| The software was incorporated with the team. | The software was incorporated into the system. |
| He empowered the company. | He was empowered with the resources. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “onboarded” with these exercises. Choose the best alternative phrase to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1
Choose the best alternative for the underlined word.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The new employees were onboarded during the first week. | a) trained, b) welcomed aboard, c) schooled | b |
| 2. She was onboarded into the marketing department. | a) integrated, b) trained, c) activated | a |
| 3. The company onboarded the new software system. | a) trained, b) incorporated, c) schooled | b |
| 4. They were onboarded about the company’s history. | a) schooled, b) informed, c) trained | b |
| 5. He was onboarded with the necessary tools. | a) empowered, b) integrated, c) schooled | a |
| 6. The team onboarded the new member quickly. | a) trained, b) assimilated, c) schooled | b |
| 7. The new recruits were onboarded on the procedures. | a) instructed, b) integrated, c) empowered | a |
| 8. The new system was onboarded into the existing infrastructure. | a) trained, b) integrated, c) enabled | b |
| 9. The employees were onboarded to their new roles. | a) oriented, b) integrated, c) schooled | a |
| 10. The team was onboarded with the new guidelines. | a) trained, b) acquainted, c) integrated | b |
Exercise 2
Rewrite the following sentences using a suitable alternative to “onboarded.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. After a week of training, the new hires were fully onboarded. | After a week of training, the new hires were fully integrated into the company. |
| 2. The company onboarded the new clients with a personalized welcome package. | The company welcomed the new clients with a personalized welcome package. |
| 3. The IT department onboarded the new software onto the system. | The IT department incorporated the new software into the system. |
| 4. The new employees were onboarded about the company’s code of conduct. | The new employees were informed about the company’s code of conduct. |
| 5. The management onboarded the team with the necessary resources to complete the project. | The management empowered the team with the necessary resources to complete the project. |
| 6. The new recruit was quickly onboarded into the team’s dynamic. | The new recruit was quickly assimilated into the team’s dynamic. |
| 7. The organization onboarded the new members with a formal induction ceremony. | The organization inducted the new members with a formal induction ceremony. |
| 8. The new policies were onboarded into the existing framework. | The new policies were integrated into the existing framework. |
| 9. The new employees were onboarded to the company’s mission and vision. | The new employees were oriented to the company’s mission and vision. |
| 10. The new staff was onboarded with the latest technological advancements. | The new staff was acquainted with the latest technological advancements. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to understand the historical context and evolution of the term “onboarding.” The term has its roots in the nautical world, referring to the process of passengers boarding a ship. Its application to business and HR is a relatively recent development, reflecting the increasing emphasis on structured employee integration programs.
Also, consider the use of more nuanced and sophisticated vocabulary. For example, instead of “trained,” you might use “upskilled” or “developed.” Instead of “integrated,” you could use “synthesized” or “harmonized.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternatives to “onboarded.”
- Is “onboarded” considered a formal or informal term?
While “onboarded” is widely accepted in business contexts, it leans towards the informal side. In more formal settings, using alternatives like “integrated,” “incorporated,” or “inducted” might be more appropriate.
- Are there any industry-specific alternatives to “onboarded”?
Yes, some industries have their own specific jargon. For example, in the tech industry, you might hear terms like “provisioned” (referring to setting up a new user’s software and hardware). In healthcare, “credentialed” is common, referring to the process of verifying a healthcare professional’s qualifications.
- How can I choose the best alternative to “onboarded” for a specific situation?
Consider the context, your audience, and the specific aspect of the onboarding process you want to emphasize. If you’re highlighting training, use “trained” or “educated.” If you’re focusing on integration, use “integrated” or “assimilated.” Also, consider the formality of the setting and choose accordingly.
- Is it ever wrong to use “onboarded”?
No, it’s not inherently wrong, but overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Using a variety of alternatives demonstrates a stronger command of the English language and allows you to communicate more precisely.
- Can I use “onboarding” as a verb?
Yes, “onboarding” can be used as a gerund or present participle (e.g., “We are currently onboarding new employees”). However, avoid using it as a direct substitute for other verbs when more precise options are available.
- What is the difference between “onboarding” and “orientation”?
“Orientation” is often a subset of “onboarding.”
“Orientation” typically refers to the initial introduction to the company, its policies, and its culture. “Onboarding,” on the other hand, is a more comprehensive process that includes orientation but also encompasses training, integration, and ongoing support.
Conclusion
Expanding your vocabulary with alternatives to “onboarded” can significantly enhance your communication in professional settings. By understanding the nuances of each alternative and using them appropriately, you can convey your message more effectively and avoid sounding repetitive.
Whether you’re welcoming new employees, training new clients, or integrating new technologies, having a rich lexicon at your disposal will make you a more effective communicator. Remember to consider the context, audience, and formality of the situation when choosing the best alternative.