By Jason Richmond, CEO and Chief Culture Officer at Ideal Outcomes, Inc.
Wouldn’t you think that employers would treat new employees like gold? After investing considerable time, effort and money recruiting an individual, surely the next obvious step is to get them fully immersed in their company’s culture and excited about their long-term prospects?
Unfortunately, that’s where many companies drop the ball.
According to Enboarder’s “2024 State of Employee Onboarding Report” one in four workers were dissatisfied with their last onboarding experience, one in three have a “truly terrible” onboarding story to tell, and a third of those wasted no time looking for another job!
Contrast that with employees who were happy with the onboarding experience. Gallup research shows that 70% who had exceptional onboarding were 2.6 times more likely to be extremely satisfied with their workplace and therefore more likely to stay put. The Enboarder survey also found that about 40% of employees with positive onboarding reported increased productivity, 32% were motivated to stay longer, and 32% would recommend the company as a great place to work.
What can you do to create a stimulating environment from the get-go where new hires are more likely to stay for the long haul?
Smooth the Way
Effective onboarding begins well before the new hire’s first day at work. Pre-boarding, which includes sending out paperwork, setting up company accounts, and providing information about the work environment, can significantly ease the transition. This early engagement helps to alleviate first-day jitters and allows the newcomer to hit the ground running.
Express Your Purpose
Numerous studies have shown there’s a strong link between a sense of belonging and higher productivity, when newcomers understand a company’s purpose and their part in it. Sadly, traditional onboarding places too much emphasis on compliance instead of places “where purpose comes to life” writes Daniel Goleman, author of the groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. “This means most organizations are still designing onboarding around paperwork, policies and procedures.” The most important “P” to prioritize? Purpose.
Connect with Culture
New hires need to be immersed in your company culture from day one. Communicate it to them. Show it to them in practice. A BambooHR survey found that 91% of new hires who were given effective company culture training felt connected to their workplace versus 29% whose onboarding experience was lacking. “Organizations that don’t focus on acclimating new employees to their corporate culture are at a significant disadvantage,” says Amber Hyatt, of talent management solutions firm SilkRoad. “Employees who know what to expect from their company’s culture and work environment make better decisions that are more aligned with the accepted practices of the company.”
Assign a Buddy
Pair a new hire with a mentor or a buddy within the company to create a smoother adjustment and be a go-to person for day-to-day questions. This relationship can help the newcomer feel welcomed and supported as they navigate their new work environment. In the BambooHR survey, 56% said having a buddy or mentor assigned to them was very important in the early days of their engagement.
Take Your Time
Don’t confuse onboarding with orientation. Onboarding is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. According to Gallup the average onboarding program lasts no more than three months whereas a year is more appropriate. Continuous support and regular feedback sessions can help new hires understand how they are performing and how they can improve. I like the way the Enboarder report put it, “Employees want to feel connected, valued, and understood, not just processed.”
Encourage Friendships
Never underestimate the power of human connection. Incorporating social activities into the onboarding process is vital for building relationships and a sense of belonging whether through team lunches, company-wide meetups, or even virtual hangouts, especially in remote teams. Facilitating friendships can boost employee satisfaction and integration.
Putting it Together
A thoughtful and comprehensive onboarding process is key to retaining talented employees and setting them up for success. By implementing these tips, companies can ensure their new team members feel prepared, valued, and motivated to contribute to their new roles. Effective onboarding is not just about making a good first impression; it’s about building a lasting foundation for employee engagement and satisfaction.