What is Preboarding?
Preboarding is the period and set of activities between a candidate accepting a job offer and their official first day of work. During this phase, organisations send welcome materials, complete paperwork, provide system access, introduce the team, and keep the new hire engaged and excited about starting. Preboarding bridges the gap between hiring and onboarding, reducing the risk of new hires changing their mind before day one.
Why it matters
The period between offer acceptance and start date is a vulnerable window. Candidates may receive counter-offers from their current employer, get approached by competing companies, or simply develop cold feet if they hear nothing from you. Preboarding reduces these risks by maintaining momentum and building connection. It also makes the actual first day far more productive because administrative tasks are already handled and the new hire feels expected and welcomed.
How Teamtailor helps
Teamtailor's onboarding tools include preboarding workflows that automatically send welcome messages, collect necessary documents, and introduce the new hire to their team, all before their first day. It turns the waiting period into engagement time.
