Onboarding is more than just paperwork and orientation—it is the key to building long-term success for new employees. A strong onboarding process ensures individuals feel supported, confident, and prepared to perform their roles effectively. One often overlooked aspect of onboarding is occupational health, which plays a vital role in promoting safety, wellbeing, and productivity from day one.

At Adesso, we support onboarding through two core services: the New Starter / Pre-placement Health Questionnaire and the Follow Up OHA Telephone/Video Assessment. These tools give employers essential insights into an employee’s health while ensuring the individual feels valued and supported.

Why Occupational Health Matters in Onboarding

Occupational health doesn’t just focus on physical health—it helps organisations build a culture of wellbeing. Here are the key reasons why it is essential during onboarding:

1. Identifying Support Needs Early

Whether it’s a musculoskeletal condition, mental health concern, or an existing medical diagnosis, early identification helps employers put the right support in place to help new starters thrive.

2. Preventing Health-Related Barriers

Without appropriate adjustments, employees may struggle unnecessarily in their new role. Occupational health identifies and removes those barriers before they impact performance or morale.

3. Ensuring Legal Compliance

Employers must comply with health and safety regulations and the Equality Act. Occupational health assessments make sure support is tailored, appropriate, and compliant.

4. Promoting a Positive Employee Experience

When new employees experience a supportive onboarding process, they are more likely to:

• Settle into their role quickly
• Feel confident in their capabilities
• Develop trust in their employer
• Engage more fully with their team

How the Process Works

A typical occupational health onboarding pathway includes:

• Completion of a Pre-placement Questionnaire: This gathers information about the employee’s health and identifies potential concerns.
• Follow-Up Assessment if Needed: If the questionnaire reveals anything requiring clarification, an OHA conducts a telephone or video assessment for further insight.
• Outcome Report for Management: Employers receive a clear, concise report with professional recommendations and adjustments where needed.
• Implementation of Adjustments: HR and management put support in place so the employee can begin work confidently and safely.

Benefits for Employers

Integrating occupational health into onboarding offers long-term advantages, such as:

• Reduced sickness absence
• Improved retention
• Enhanced productivity
• Lower risk of workplace injury
• Stronger workplace communication

Conclusion

Occupational health plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and effective onboarding process. By identifying health needs early, reducing risks, and promoting wellbeing, organisations build a stronger foundation for successful employment.

Adesso is committed to helping employers create healthier workplaces through professional, tailored occupational health services that support every new starter from the very beginning.