The onboarding process is pivotal for new employees and their long-term success in the organization. Done right, it builds strong connections, aligns employees with company goals, and sets the stage for productivity and retention. Did you know that 86% of new hires decide whether to stay with a company long-term within the first six months? That’s how critical onboarding is. It’s not just about filling out paperwork—it’s about setting the tone for an employee’s entire journey with your organization.
Here are some compelling stats:
- Companies with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82%.
- Organizations that invest in onboarding see a 70% increase in employee productivity.
- A poor onboarding experience makes new hires 2x more likely to seek another job opportunity within the first year.
Keeping these in mind, we have compiled six essential onboarding practices to ensure every new team member has a positive, seamless start.
Start Preboarding Early
Effective onboarding begins before the first day. This is called Preboarding. Preboarding is the time between signing a job offer and starting the job. Preboarding introduces new hires to essential company resources, allows them to complete necessary paperwork through digital tools, and welcomes them to the culture. This approach not only saves time but also reduces first-day anxieties, helping employees start with confidence.
Personalize the Onboarding Journey
A one-size-fits-all approach can feel impersonal. Tailoring onboarding experiences to match employees’ unique roles and individual backgrounds enhances engagement and relevance. For example, specific training sessions, team introductions, and mentoring programs designed around each employee’s role create a more meaningful connection. This is where an entrance interview can be particularly beneficial in building a stronger relationship with new employees. An onboarding entrance interview is a meeting with a new employee to discuss their expectations and experiences during the onboarding process.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
New hires should understand their job responsibilities and performance expectations from day one. This involves setting specific, measurable goals and scheduling regular check-ins to address questions and assess progress. In doing so, employees feel more aligned with their roles and confident in what they need to accomplish. As you build this success framework incorporate a roadmap that includes a 1st day, 1st week, preboarding, then a 30/60/90 day check-in process and onboarding experience score. Gathering these insights will provide direct feedback to management regarding employee experience and specific onboarding areas that affect candidate satisfaction and process efficiency.
Introduce the Company Culture and Values
Onboarding is an ideal time to introduce new hires to the organization’s culture and core values. Activities that showcase how these values play out in daily work, such as storytelling sessions or assigning an ambassador, help employees feel like they’re part of the bigger picture, which in turn can boost engagement and loyalty. We recommend creating a video about the history of your company that also includes an overview of the current and future direction of the company.
Emphasize Training and Development Opportunities
Onboarding shouldn’t be a one-time event but rather the start of continuous growth and learning. Providing structured training and development paths shows new employees that the company invests in their long-term success. It’s important to introduce training platforms and educational resources immediately to foster ongoing skill development.
Use Technology to Streamline the Process
Leveraging digital onboarding tools in your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) automates tasks and ensures consistency. These tools simplify form-filling, training access, and tracking progress, freeing HR to focus on building relationships and ensuring smooth transitions rather than managing paperwork.
Conclusion:
An impactful onboarding program is one of the most valuable investments a company can make. By following these best practices, organizations set the foundation for employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Embrace these steps to build a robust onboarding process that welcomes new employees and supports their journey to success within the organization.
For more steps for a successful onboarding process check out our 30-minute webcast recording on the Top 5 Best Practices for Successful Onboarding for a deeper dive.
Need assistance putting these practices into action? Contact us or schedule a talent success meeting today.