PEACOCK: How to Build a Strong Company Culture Through Purposeful Onboarding

It’s that time of year again – August always brings that exciting “first day” feeling. Whether it’s the start of a new school year or the first day on a new job, there’s a sense of nervous energy mixed with hope and anticipation. Beginnings are important.

I can still vividly recall my first day of law school. The orientation wasn’t just about schedules and where to find the bookstore. It was a carefully curated experience designed to help us see ourselves in a new light. We were being welcomed into a profession, called to something meaningful and challenging. While there were warnings about the workload, there was also a strong sense of belonging. The faculty and staff made sure we knew we had what it takes to succeed and that we would be supported by the law school community.

At Texas Lutheran University, we take a similar approach. We understand that those first few days on campus, for both students and their families, are about more than just the logistics. They set the tone for the entire experience. Our goal is for students to feel recognized and embraced, and for parents to have confidence not just in our facilities, but in our people. We make sure students have meaningful connections with faculty, advisors, coaches, and mentors right from the start. It’s not just about providing information – it’s about instilling a vision of what their time here could be like.

Whether in school or the workplace, how we start something lays the foundation for everything that follows. In a work setting, we often call this process onboarding. And much like the first day of class, it can be approached with care and thoughtfulness, or it can feel rushed and impersonal. Unfortunately, too often, onboarding becomes nothing more than a series of tasks to check off a list: set up your email, sign these forms, read the rules. But what if we viewed onboarding as something more? What if we saw it as a strategic opportunity not just to inform, but to inspire?

The most effective onboarding experiences do more than just lay out policies. They introduce employees to the culture of the organization. They share stories, create connections, and help new hires understand the values and ethos of the company. By focusing on building a strong foundation right from the start, companies can set their employees up for success and create a sense of belonging and purpose.