Enterprise Preboarding App

PROBLEM STATEMENT

As Walmart and Sam's Club continue to expand across various business segments, there is a growing need for an efficient preboarding solution to streamline the onboarding process for new hires. Currently, new employees face challenges in completing preboarding tasks before their first day, hindering their ability to fully focus on preparing for their new roles.

To address this issue, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive preboarding app that can scale effectively across all Walmart and Sam's Club business segments. This app must provide a user-friendly interface and robust functionality to allow new hires to complete essential preboarding tasks seamlessly, enabling them to dedicate their attention to assimilating into their new roles effectively.

WHERE TO START

Our approach relied heavily on user experience (UX) research and the development of a comprehensive journey map which was done in partnership with our research team. We understood the critical importance of gathering insights into the current state of preboarding processes to identify pain points and uncover opportunities for improvement.

By mapping out each stage of the preboarding process, from offer acceptance to the first day on the job, we were able to visualize the end-to-end experience and pinpoint areas where friction and inefficiencies existed. This process allowed us to prioritize features and design elements that would address the most significant pain points while also capitalizing on opportunities to enhance the overall user experience.

GENERATING AN IDEA

After analyzing all the pain points of the current associate journey, I created a mobile design concept of the preboarding app, focused on simplifying the onboarding journey for new employees. It included user flows such as being able to RSVP for an orientation, completing tasks like setting up direct deposit and the I-9 Form, creating a Walmart badge, and establishing an initial contact with an onboarding buddy. Additionally, the app provided easy access to information about employee benefits, ensuring an understanding of the value the company provides to associates and enabling them to smoothly transition into the company.

USER FEEDBACK

To refine the preboarding mobile design concept, we conducted a series of Guerrilla Testing sessions with associates to validate our user experience. Gathering feedback directly from potential users allowed us to pinpoint areas for improvement and ensure alignment with user expectations. Leveraging the insights gained from these sessions, we iterated on the design to enhance usability and address any pain points identified.

Furthermore, we compiled a feature request backlog based on the feedback received, which we shared with our product owner. This collaborative approach ensured that the final product would meet the needs and preferences of our users while aligning with the overall vision of the project.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

The final outcome of the preboarding app design proved highly successful, meeting several key goals and objectives. By enabling 97% day 1 readiness for all enterprise hires, the app ensured new employees were fully prepared to begin their roles, enhancing productivity and reducing onboarding time. Additionally, the app will contribute to a 1% reduction in the 90-day attrition rate, fostering greater employee retention and reducing hiring costs by ~$100 million.

Through the simplification and digitization of processes, the app is expected to deliver an estimated savings of ~$18 million. Moreover, by providing a consistent preboarding experience across the entire enterprise (both in the U.S. and international markets) the app will foster a cohesion and alignment within the organization, This will ensure all new hires receive the same high-quality introduction to the company culture and procedures.