Objective: To create a centralized, easily accessible, and comprehensive onboarding resource for newly hired Instructional Designers joining the Optum team. This document aimed to mitigate information overload, consolidate essential resources previously scattered across multiple platforms, and provide new hires with immediate access to critical information needed for a smooth and efficient start. The ultimate goal was to enhance the new hire experience, accelerate their integration into the team, and improve initial productivity.

Delivery and Contents: The onboarding packet was delivered as a digital document (e.g., PDF or a dedicated page on an internal knowledge base) to new hires prior to or on their first day. The contents were strategically organized to provide a holistic overview of their new role and team environment. Key sections included:

• Welcome to the Team: Introductions to current team members, their roles, and contact information, fostering a sense of belonging from day one.

• Glossary of Acronyms and Terms: A comprehensive list of Optum-specific and industry-relevant acronyms and terminology to quickly acclimate new hires to the team's language and avoid confusion.

• First Two Weeks Schedule: A detailed, day-by-day outline of key meetings, training sessions, introductory tasks, and people to connect with, providing structure and clarity during the initial onboarding period.

• Team Mission and Values: A clear articulation of the team's purpose, goals, and guiding principles, ensuring new hires understand the team's direction and their contribution.

• Tech Stack Overview: A description of the essential software, tools, and platforms utilized by the team, along with brief explanations of their purpose and links to relevant resources or training materials.

Data and Impact: While formal quantitative data collection is ongoing, the initial impact of the onboarding packet has been overwhelmingly positive based on anecdotal feedback and observations:

• Reduced Information Overload: New hires have consistently reported feeling less overwhelmed during their first few weeks, citing the packet as a valuable single source of truth for essential information.

• Increased Efficiency and Autonomy: Having immediate access to schedules, the tech stack, and key terminology has enabled new hires to become productive more quickly and independently, reducing the need for constant clarification from existing team members.

• Improved Onboarding Experience: Feedback indicates a significantly smoother and more welcoming onboarding experience, with new hires feeling more prepared and integrated into the team from the outset. This has contributed to increased morale and a stronger sense of belonging.

• Streamlined Communication: The glossary of terms has fostered clearer and more efficient communication within the team and between new hires and existing members.

• Positive Initial Feedback: Informal surveys and conversations with recent hires have highlighted the packet's clarity, comprehensiveness, and usefulness in navigating their initial weeks. Specific positive comments have focused on the clarity of the first two weeks' schedule and the helpfulness of the acronym glossary.

The creation and implementation of this dedicated onboarding packet for new Instructional Designers at Optum demonstrably improved the new hire experience and positively impacted team efficiency. By proactively addressing the challenges of information overload and providing readily accessible resources, this initiative facilitated a smoother transition for new team members, enabling them to contribute effectively more quickly. This project underscored the value of user-centered design in creating resources that directly address specific needs and contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.