Create your own onboarding log

It is the workplace's responsibility to provide an onboarding plan, but you can supplement it with your own onboarding log.

A logbook can help you create structure and get an overview of all the new information and impressions. Here are some suggestions for what you can note in the logbook:

• Questions you can save for later
  You probably ask a lot of questions every day, and you should continue to do so. But it can also be a good idea to pace your questions, as not everything needs to be answered right away.
  Write them down in your logbook to make sure you remember them. And you may get answers to some of them along the way without even asking.
• Who's who?
  You will probably meet many new colleagues, and if you write down their names and job titles as you go along, it will be easier for you to get in touch with them again. For example, write down ‘Book Hans from Finance for a one-to-one chat’ or ‘Remember Lotte when I need the latest political analyses’.
• Practical tips
  There is a lot to learn when you are new to a workplace. What is the code for the bicycle storage room? Where can I find IT support? And what do I need to do to get a locker for my things?
  Write down practical tips so you can refer back to them, because you won't be able to figure everything out in your first week.
• Ideas and suggestions
  Being new is an asset in itself. You see the company, the products, the customers, etc. with fresh eyes, and that's why you're sure to come up with new ideas for your workplace.
  Write them down so you're ready to share them when you know the decision-making processes and the forums where it's relevant to contribute your ideas.
• Small victories
  Write down the positive things. These could range from experiencing good professional chemistry with a colleague, finding your bike straight away after work, or creating a case in the case management system yourself. Becoming aware of and noting down these small victories in your new job will increase your well-being.

You may not think it is worth prioritising time for a logbook because it is invisible work and just something you do for yourself.

And yes, initially it may be mostly for yourself, but you can benefit from continuing your onboarding log as an employment logbook.

You can benefit from this when preparing for a development meeting with your manager or when you need to remember your professional achievements for a salary negotiation.