Your first day at a new job? It’s usually a wild mix of excitement and pure adrenaline. You’re standing in your new office, someone hurriedly hands you a laptop, and you secretly hope that someone will actually have time for you today.
Sounds like a classic cliché? It is. Fortunately, things work very differently here. Your journey doesn’t begin when you walk through our door for the first time—it starts the moment the ink on your contract dries.
When it comes to the perfect employee onboarding: hello again turns the simple act of „bringing someone on board“ into a genuine experience. Forget about dusty checklists that eventually get checked off halfheartedly. Instead, you can look forward to a structured, interactive first week with dedicated time slots in your calendar and time to truly settle in.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey and show you exactly what to expect—from the preparations long before your official start date to your first major feedback meeting with your manager at the end of the week. Welcome to the team—let’s get started!
What Employee Onboarding Means at hello again
In many companies, information about onboarding trickles in bit by bit over weeks or even months—usually dealt with quickly between two other appointments. We’ve deliberately chosen a different approach: With us, onboarding is heavily concentrated into your first week.
For you, this means: You can expect an intensive, thoroughly planned week, after which you’ll return to your desk confident that you’ve truly mastered all the important basics. Our HR team kicks things off. After that, various people from across the company take the reins—from the founder to colleagues in your department. So you won’t just learn your specific job in isolation; you’ll get to know the very heart and soul of the entire company.
The common thread: people, companies, products, roles
To keep your head from spinning with all this information, this process follows a simple but clear logic:
- The People: First, you'll get to know the people you'll be working with from now on.
- The Company: Next, we’ll dive into our vision—why does hello again exist, and where are we headed together?
- The Product: Then you'll get to see firsthand, right in action, what we've actually been building here all day.
- Your Role: And only once this strong foundation is in place will we dive into the details of your specific responsibilities.
| Level | What It's All About | When | Who's with you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. People | Who's on the team, who's your point person, and who's starting with you? | Before the start and on Day 1 | HR, your buddy, your onboarding group |
| 2. Companies | Why does hello again exist? Where are we now, and where are we headed? | Day 1 and Day 2 | Founder and CEO, Marketing, HR |
| 3. Product | How does our solution work in our customers' daily lives? | Day 2 | VP of Product (Head of Product) |
| 4. Role | Tools, Work Methods, and Initial Hands-On Experience in Your Field of Study | Days 3 and 4, Conclusion | Your Team and Your Manager |
Phase 1: Pre-Onboarding Starting When You Sign
The period between signing your contract and your first day on the job is often referred to as “pre-onboarding.” In many companies, there’s complete radio silence during this phase. At our company, it’s precisely during these weeks that we lay the foundation for your successful employee onboarding. Because we’re convinced that a truly amazing first day isn’t just created on the day itself—it’s built in the time leading up to it. Here’s how we prepare for your start:
Tech and access? Check!
As soon as you sign on, we’ll get things rolling behind the scenes. Your workstation, hardware, and all access credentials will be fully set up in advance. No annoying wait for passwords on your first day and no IT ticket chaos. You’ll arrive, open your laptop, and be practically ready to go.
Your calendar already knows
We’ve already planned out your first week in detail. When you log in for the first time, you’ll find a clearly structured calendar with real appointments waiting for you. No awkward gaps and no aimless „just take a look around“—you’ll always know exactly what’s coming next.
Your Digital Red Carpet on Slack
A few days before you start, we’ll post a brief profile of you in our internal Slack chat—including a photo, your new role, and your personal „likes and dislikes.“ In other words, we’re simply turning the tables. Instead of having to introduce yourself the same way 50 times on your first day, the team will already be well prepared. If you love dogs and hate coffee, you won’t have to explain that all over again during every small talk. Your new coworkers will know right away how to make you happy.
Your Buddy: Support on an Equal Footing
To ensure you have a trusted point of contact right away, the HR team or your manager will select a buddy for you in advance. This person is not part of management at all. You can feel free to ask them all those little organizational questions that you might not feel comfortable asking your new boss during your first week.
Your Ticket to Leonding
We believe in real connections. That’s why we intentionally hold the onboarding process in person at our headquarters in Leonding. If you don’t live nearby, that’s no problem at all: We’ll organize and cover your travel and lodging. We want you to get a feel for the team, the vibe, and the people behind the screens in person before you start your actual day-to-day work from another location.
| What's in the works | When | What this means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware, Workstation, Access Points | Upon signing | Everything works on the first day—you can get started right away. |
| Onboarding Week as Calendar Events | Before You Begin | When you log in for the first time, you'll see a clear plan for each day. |
| Profile on Slack | A few days before the start | The team already knows you before you even get there. |
| Choosing Your Buddy | Before you start, from your manager | You have a dedicated contact person for day-to-day questions. |
| Travel and Accommodations | Before the start, if you don't live in Leonding | You'll get to know everyone personally without having to worry about the logistics. |
Why We All Start on the First Monday of the Month
One seemingly small detail makes a huge difference in our employee onboarding: the exact start date. That’s because new colleagues always start in groups on the first Monday of the month. The absolute game-changer for you? You’re guaranteed not to be alone on your first day.
Instead of navigating the new office on your own, you’ll start right away as part of a dedicated onboarding team. You’ll work through all the key information from the first few days together as a team. That way, from the very first minute, you’ll be surrounded by people who have exactly the same thousand thoughts racing through their minds as you do. Whether it’s minor uncertainties, burning questions, or those first shared “aha” moments—as they say, shared excitement is half the excitement, and settling in is just so much more fun together.
Phase 2, Day 1: Arriving and figuring out where you are
A truly effective employee onboarding process requires two things above all else on day one: You should feel at ease—both on a personal and technical level—and you should get a sense right from the start of what really drives hello again. That’s exactly why we dedicate a large part of your first day to the crucial question: „Why do we exist?“. And because this takes real passion, you won’t get the answer read off a dusty PowerPoint slide—instead, you’ll hear the story directly from our founder himself.
| Time | Program item | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Kickoff & Technical Setup with HR | We’ll kick things off with a casual get-together with your onboarding group. Our HR team will share some exciting initial insights about the company and show you how things work. After that, we’ll go over your workspace, hardware, and systems together. |
| Morning | A Deep Dive into Your Tools | We won't leave you out in the cold with new tools. Instead of just handing you a dry PDF manual, we'll work with you to set up the most important programs for your day-to-day work and walk you through the basics. |
| Afternoon | Vision, Mission, and Values with CEO Franz Tretter | Get ready for some inspiration! For about two hours, our founder Franz will take you on a little journey through time: how hello again grew out of that very first idea, where we stand today, and what our grand master plan is for the future. |
| Afternoon | Welcome to your home base! | Finally, you're heading to your department. You'll get to know your new team, take a close look at your role, and learn how your department fits into the bigger picture. |
Why this „why“ is so important to us
If you're wondering what these terms mean: Our vision is the big, long-term goal on the horizon. Our mission describes the path we’ll take to get there, and our values clearly define the mindset with which we’ll work together along the way.
At first glance, this might sound like typical business jargon, but it becomes extremely tangible and logical when Franz tells the real story behind it. The cool bonus for you: Many questions that often don’t come up in other jobs until months later are answered crystal clear for you right from day one.
Phase 2, Day 2: Our Product, Clear Rules, and Your Spot on the Team Wall
On the second day of your employee onboarding, we’ll focus on the true essence of hello again: our product. At the same time, we’ll go over all the important guidelines that apply to our day-to-day work. And then there’s that one small but special moment around lunchtime that quickly becomes the secret highlight of the whole week for many newbies. Here’s your schedule for Day Two:
| Time | Program item | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Tech Check | Is everything going smoothly? Are you able to access everything? If you're still running into any issues, we'll clear up any minor technical hurdles right away. |
| Morning | Product Training with Reinhard (VP of Product) | Let's move away from dry theory: We'll take a hands-on look under the hood and show you our product in action right here, live. |
| Morning | Privacy Policy (GDPR) | Admittedly, it's a must for everyone—but it's essential to ensure that we all handle data safely and responsibly. |
| Noon | Let's head to the photo booth! | Say Cheese! We'll take a professional photo of you for our systems and, of course, a quick snapshot for our legendary team wall in the office. |
| Afternoon | A Deep Dive into Marketing | How does hello again actually present itself to the outside world? And how can you actively become part of our story (e.g., on LinkedIn)? |
| Afternoon | Our Customers and the Market | Who actually uses our product, and what specific problems are we solving for you out there? |
| Afternoon | Time for Self-Study | A set block of time to catch your breath and follow up on work. Very important: With us, learning is a scheduled part of the workday—not a stressful after-work project. |
After two days, I was clearly part of the team
Toward the end of day two, something special happens: Your freshly taken photo goes straight onto our team wall. That might sound like a minor thing at first, but it has a huge impact. Because after just two days, you’re no longer just „the new girl“ or „the new guy“ around here. You’re officially, literally, and visibly to everyone an integral part of our team.
Phase 3, Days 3 and 4: From now on, your department will take over
Starting on the third day of your onboarding, it’s time to get down to business! After spending the first few days getting to know our culture, the company, and the product in detail, the focus now shifts to your specific role. Each department has prepared its own tailored onboarding modules for this purpose. You’ll get to know the specific tools your team uses, get a taste of day-to-day workflows, and try your hand at your first hands-on exercises.
While the subject matter varies greatly from team to team, our learning approach remains the same throughout the organization:
| Step | What happens | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Show | Experienced colleagues will take you under their wing and show you exactly how they work. | You'll experience real, practical workflows in action instead of dry theory. |
| 2. Do it together | You'll work on real tasks while someone looks over your shoulder to offer support. | You can ask your questions the very moment they pop into your head—not after the fact. |
| 3. Do It Yourself | You'll handle your first tasks completely on your own. | You'll immediately notice what fits really well and where you'd like a little more support. |
Here's an example: This is what Days 3 and 4 look like in sales
What does that look like in reality? To illustrate, let’s take a look at the first few days in Sales, specifically for SDRs. Here, you’ll dive right into the tools the team uses to win over new customers. So that it doesn’t all sound like a bunch of technical jargon to you at the beginning, we’ll break down the most important components right away:
| Building block | What's Behind It |
|---|---|
| Tools for SDRs | SDR stands for Sales Development Representative. These are our sales professionals who establish that very first, valuable contact with potential customers. |
| CRM Setup & Pipeline | CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is our system for managing all customer contacts. The pipeline provides a clear overview of current sales opportunities and their status. |
| The Pitch | Short, to the point, and absolutely compelling: That’s how we present our offerings in conversation. |
| Hands-On Day | A full day spent right in the midst of a real workday, with close guidance from experienced coworkers. |
| Business Development | A confident first point of contact with companies that haven't yet heard of hello again. |
Are you starting out in marketing, on the product team, or in customer success instead? If so, the content of these two days will, of course, be quite different. The software and specific tasks may change—but our trusted guiding principle always remains the same: First, we’ll show you the ropes; then, we’ll tackle things together; and finally, you’ll hit the ground running with confidence.
Phase 4: Your Weekly Wrap-Up and Aligning Expectations
Toward the end of your first week, we’ll intentionally hit the pause button once more and look back together. What’s already going really well? Where might you still be feeling a bit overwhelmed? And what exactly are the next steps? This brief check-in ensures that no unanswered questions are simply swept under the rug.
The real centerpiece of this phase, however, is a very special conversation: the expectation alignment with your manager. We intentionally schedule this meeting at the end of your first (or sometimes second) week. Why? Because by this point, you’re no longer going into such a meeting completely unprepared. You’ve gotten a feel for the team’s vibe, gathered your first impressions, and can draw on your very fresh, real-life experiences when discussing all your topics.
| Question during the conversation | What It's All About |
|---|---|
| What does hello again expect from you? | Your manager gives you a crystal-clear picture: What really matters in your new role, and how do we actually measure what constitutes truly good work? |
| What do you expect from us? | Now it's your turn! Be open and honest about what you need from us to do a great job here, and what matters most to you in your new role. |
| What's next? | Now it's time to get down to business: You'll look ahead to the coming weeks together, define your very first tasks, set clear priorities, and establish your first milestones. |
The Whole Week at a Glance
Do you love concise summaries? Perfect! Here, we’ve clearly summarized the entire roadmap for your employee onboarding at hello again—from signing your very first contract all the way to the pivotal wrap-up meeting with your new manager.
| Phase | Date and Time | Focus | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Onboarding | From the signing of the contract to the start | People & Basics | The technology is up and running, your schedule is set, your Slack profile is online, your buddy is ready to go, and your travel arrangements are all taken care of. |
| 2. Days Together | Days 1 and 2 | Company & Product | Join the onboarding crew, take part in a two-hour deep dive with our founder, get hands-on product training, and have your photo added to the team wall. |
| 3. Department | Days 3 and 4 | Your Own Role | Learn about specific tools, get a feel for how the team works, and gain your first real-world experience. |
| 4. Conclusion | End of Week 1 (or beginning of Week 2) | Reflection & Outlook | A joint check-in on the first week and an open discussion with your manager to align expectations. |
Your Checklist: How to Prepare Perfectly for Your Start
We’ll take care of the vast majority of the organization for you as you get started, but a little input on your part never hurts! To help you get the most out of your first week at hello again, we’ve put together a short but handy checklist for you.
It shows you exactly where we're pulling the strings behind the scenes—and where you can already take a few steps on your own to make getting started even easier:
| The Right Moment | What's Happening Behind the Scenes Here | What You Can Do Specifically |
|---|---|---|
| After signing | We'll set up all your equipment and access points. | Still have some burning questions? Just send any questions you have about getting started directly to our HR team. |
| Before your profile | We're setting up your digital red carpet for Slack. | Think of a few cool fun facts, hobbies, or your „likes and dislikes“ that the team should definitely know about you. |
| When you log in for the first time | Your entire first week is already scheduled in your calendar. | Take your time to click through the schedule and feel free to jot down any initial questions you have about the individual dates. |
| Before the Buddy Coffee | We'll set up a fixed, laid-back appointment for you with your buddy. | Gather up all those little everyday questions in advance that you don't want to ask (yet) in a large group setting. |
| Self-Study on Day 2 | You have a fixed study time scheduled in your calendar. | Organize your notes from the product training session and go ahead and explore the new features on your own. |
| Practical Training on Days 3 and 4 | Your department will take over, and you'll start working on your first real assignments. | Be completely honest with yourself: What’s going really well, and where do you still need a little help? |
| Alignment of Expectations | We're planning your first important meeting with your manager. | Jot down your impressions and expectations so far in three or four concise points beforehand, so you can get started right away. |
Questions you can ask your buddy:
Your first "Buddy Coffee" is on the calendar, and you're wondering how best to start the conversation? Take advantage of this relaxed get-together—far removed from the executive level—to gain exactly the kind of insider knowledge you won’t find in any official handbook. Here are a few perfect icebreaker questions for your first meeting:
- The Reality Check: What does a typical workday in our team really look like?
- The Communication Question: Slack, email, or just popping by someone's desk—which channel is best for asking quick questions?
- The internal network: Who is actually my go-to person here for what? Who should I turn to for which topics?
- The Ultimate Hack: What would you have loved to know during your very first week at hello again?
- Team Culture: Are there any unofficial team rituals, coffee break rules, or inside jokes that I absolutely need to know so I can jump right into the conversation?
Arrive, log in, get started: Your new professional home
A new job always means change, but getting started definitely doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown. Our employee onboarding program at hello again proves that a smooth transition can be perfectly structured, welcoming, and—above all—completely free of IT hold times or organizational chaos.
From the moment you sign your contract, through the shared experiences at our headquarters in Leonding, to the honest expectation alignment with your manager: We focus on people and ensure that, from the very first minute, you have the tools you need to truly thrive in your new role. You bring your talent, your ideas, and plenty of curiosity—and we’ll take care of creating the perfect environment.
If this is exactly how you want your next career move to feel, then take a look at our careers page. Your buddy, your fully set-up laptop, and the empty spot on our team wall are already waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Onboarding at hello again
When does the onboarding process begin at hello again?
Your onboarding begins when you sign your contract, not on your first day of work. From that moment on, we’ll set up your hardware, workstation, and access credentials. At the same time, your onboarding week will be scheduled as fixed appointments in your calendar. A few days before you start, we’ll introduce you to the team with a profile. That way, everything will be ready on your first day, and you can focus entirely on settling in.
Why do new employees always start on the first Monday of the month?
The program always starts on the Monday of the first week of the month. This means that practically no one ever starts alone. Every month, there’s an onboarding group that works through the shared modules together. So from day one, you’ll be surrounded by people who are going through the same experience as you. This makes it easier to settle in and often helps forge initial connections across team boundaries.
What does a buddy do, and how is one chosen?
A buddy is a coworker who supports you during your first few weeks. Your manager selects this person. They’ll either come from a related field or be someone you’re likely to get along with. During the first week, there’s a scheduled “buddy coffee.” Since your buddy isn’t part of the management chain, you can feel free to ask questions there that you wouldn’t yet feel comfortable asking your manager in week one.
Do I have to come to Leonding for onboarding?
Yes, onboarding takes place at our headquarters in Leonding on purpose. The reason: We want you to meet everyone in person before you start your day-to-day work from another location. If you don’t live in Leonding, we’ll arrange your travel and accommodations for you. So you don’t have to worry about a thing—just make sure to arrive on time.
How does the onboarding process work in my department?
On Days 3 and 4, the onboarding group splits up. Each role has its own sessions covering the department’s tools, the team’s work processes, and initial hands-on exercises. In Sales, for example, this includes the CRM system, the sales pipeline, the sales pitch, a full day of hands-on practice, and cold calling. The content varies in other teams, but the approach remains the same: first demonstrate, then do it together, then do it on your own.
What happens after the first week?
At the end of the week, there’s a group review: What’s going well, what’s missing, and what’s next? This is followed by a discussion to align expectations with your manager, either at the end of the first week or the following week. During this discussion, you’ll clarify what the company expects, what you expect, and what specific tasks lie ahead in the coming weeks. This way, you’ll start your daily work routine with a clear picture of what to expect.
How can I prepare for my first week?
We'll take care of most of the preparation for you. Still, it’s helpful if you go through the calendar when you first log in and jot down any questions you have for each appointment. For the “Buddy Coffee,” you can gather everyday questions. And before the expectations-alignment meeting, it’s worth jotting down your own impressions in three or four points. That’s all it takes.
