In this episode of All Onboard, Thomas Kunjappu chats with Gary Fernandes, the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Sandy Spring Bank. With over 30 years of HR experience across industries like healthcare and banking, Gary knows a thing or two about creating onboarding programs that leave a lasting impression.

Together, they explore how Sandy Spring Bank ensures new hires feel genuinely welcomed and supported from day one. From aligning expectations to building emotional connections, Gary shares thoughtful insights and real stories that highlight what it takes to make onboarding meaningful.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why first impressions matter and how day one can shape an employee’s entire journey.
• The critical role managers play in onboarding and how to set them up for success.
• How small details—like welcome kits and personal touches—can make a big impact.
• The value of listening to employees and using their feedback to improve the process.
• Tips for navigating hybrid and remote onboarding while keeping things fair and engaging.
• Why continuous learning and innovation are key to staying ahead in HR.

This conversation is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable tips for anyone looking to elevate their onboarding game. Don’t miss it!

Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessment
Link to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI