Designing relational employment: supporting employee well-being through onboarding innovation in emerging SMEs

This paper investigates how design practices can advance employee engagement and well-being toward relational employment during onboarding in new and emerging SMEs characterized by uncertainty and limited resources. Employing a research-through-design approach, the study integrates preliminary research activities with semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders (employees/HR/therapist) and a phase of Participatory Action Research to identify critical leverage points for redesigning the onboarding experience. Findings emphasize the importance of authentic human connection, psychological safety in the workplace, and peer-led learning cultures. The proposed COMPANION-SHIP Pilot Program proposes how design could addresses these systemic issues through multi-stakeholder collaboration, embedding sustainable relationship-building practices within organizations. The research proposes practical frameworks for enhancing organizations’ adaptability and cultivating inclusive, supportive workplace cultures, particularly through the evolving role of designers as strategic partners in human resource transformation.