Onboarding
Starting a new job brings change, sparks curiosity and sometimes causes a little uncertainty. Our onboarding process ensures that you feel welcome from day one, have a clear overview and can contribute your strengths from the very beginning.
Everything you need for a good start
You will receive an e-mail from us confirming your appointment. After that, the process continues as follows:
We will let you know which documents we still require and provide you with further information.
You will receive your formal written appointment decision (employment contract) by post a few weeks later. In the meantime, we will have already begun to make all the necessary arrangements behind the scenes to get you started.
We will set up your workstation and all IT accesses.
First days: Welcome to the team
On your first day, you can look forward to:
A warm welcome from your team
Your IT equipment ready for use
A fully functioning set-up of all required access points
Introductions, tours and an initial orientation programme
A structured overview of your organisational unit
In many teams, you will also receive support from a buddy or a dedicated contact person during your onboarding phase.
Onboarding events: Settling in together
We want you to become part of the ZHAW community as quickly as possible. That is why we offer:
Online onboarding sessions during your first few days
On-site onboarding events, including a personal welcome from the President
First weeks: Deepening knowledge, building connections
Over the following weeks, you will receive:
Structured introductory training in your area of responsibility
Opportunities to exchange ideas with other teams
Insights into projects, processes and ways of working
Access to training and development opportunities
Support from your manager, your team and Human Resources
We look forward to accompanying you on your journey with us.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
You will be contacted by ZHAW HR, who will assist you with any administrative matters. Your future manager and team will also be happy to help you with any questions relating to your role and to provide information about your first working day.
Your team will personally welcome you to the ZHAW. Together, we’ll set up your workstation, provide you with initial orientation on campus and within your office building, and introduce you to your responsibilities.
Your manager will support you as you settle into life at the ZHAW from the very beginning. You will receive clear responsibilities, objectives and regular feedback sessions to help you find your bearings and gain confidence.
Yes, the ZHAW offers onboarding events. In addition to digital onboarding sessions during the first few days of work, on-site onboarding events are also organised, including a personal welcome from the President. These events provide deeper insights into the ZHAW and offer the opportunity to get to know other new staff members.
At the ZHAW, you will benefit from a clearly structured onboarding process, dedicated teams, personalised support, opportunities for continuing education and information resources, helping you to settle in quickly and feel at home.
On the International Welcome Centre page, international ZHAW employees can find information on administrative matters, housing, insurance and integration in Switzerland. If you have any questions, our Global Mobility team will be happy to help (mobility.hr@zhaw.ch). Responsibility for organising the move and all other necessary arrangements remains with the employees themselves.
The formal onboarding process at the ZHAW lasts several weeks. Full role-specific integration may take up to one year, depending on the position.