Employee onboarding is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful transition for new hires into your company. It not only helps them understand their roles and responsibilities but also sets the tone for their entire employee experience.
According to BambooHR’s onboarding statistics, employees with a successful training experience are up to 18 times more likely to feel committed to their workplace than those who perceive their onboarding as ineffective. A well-planned process can increase retention rates, improve productivity, and foster a positive company culture.
What is employee onboarding?
Employee onboarding is the process of integrating new hires into your organization and familiarizing them with their roles, responsibilities, and company culture. It usually begins the moment a job offer is accepted and ends when an employee has completed their probationary period.
A successful onboarding process involves more than just filling out paperwork and introducing new hires to their team. It should focus on setting clear expectations, providing necessary resources and support, and creating a positive first impression for the new team member.
Benefits of effective new hire onboarding
Finding the right staff member isn’t an easy task, and once you’ve hired a promising candidate, it’s important to make sure they are set up for success. Here are some of the benefits of implementing effective onboarding strategies:
- Higher retention rates: Employees who have a positive onboarding experience are more likely to stay with the company for longer periods due to a sense of belonging and commitment. A survey conducted by BetterBuys revealed that 75% of employees with growth opportunities are likely to stay for another five years, compared to only 56% of those without such opportunities. This highlights the importance of providing new hires with opportunities for growth and development during their onboarding process.
- Increased productivity: Well-planned training can help new hires understand their roles and responsibilities, leading to quicker adaptation and increased productivity.
- Improved company culture: Onboarding helps new employees understand the company’s values, norms, and expectations, creating a more inclusive and cohesive work environment.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time employee or a temporary worker, the following strategies can help you create an effective process that will benefit your organization and new hires alike.
9 strategies to boost loyalty through an effective new employee onboarding program
When it comes to welcoming new hires, a one-size-fits-all approach might not yield the best results. Every company has its unique culture, and every employee has their individual needs and preferences.
Therefore, it’s essential to tailor your onboarding to suit the needs of your organization and new hires. Let’s examine nine strategies you can incorporate into your company:
1. Start onboarding before the first day
Onboarding begins as soon as the new hire accepts the job offer. Use this time to connect with them, send necessary paperwork and information, and provide an overview of what to expect on their first day. You can also include a welcome pack with company materials, such as a handbook or any other important resources that they will need to familiarize themselves with before starting.
2. Assign a buddy or mentor
Many employees feel uncomfortable asking for help or guidance — but most need it. Assigning them a specific buddy solves this problem. The buddy becomes their go-to guide and makes them feel immediately at home. The mentor should not just be chosen at random, though.
Instead, carefully select someone who will be a good point of contact for that particular person, whether they’re from a similar background, work in a similar role, or are just similar in personality to the new worker. This not only increases the chances the pair will hit it off — it also gives the buddy a way of explaining why they have been chosen, therefore providing a more personalized experience for the newbie.
3. Create personalized experiences
Make an effort to personalize the experience for each new hire. Companies can create personalized screensavers, an email from the CEO, or a customized welcome video to make new hires feel valued and excited about their new role. The personal touch can go a long way in creating a positive first impression and helping new employees feel welcomed into the company.
4. Provide clear expectations and goals
Employees who are directionless and lack clarity about their roles are more likely to become disengaged. To avoid this, ensure that new hires are aware of their job responsibilities and understand what’s expected of them.
Additionally, set clear goals and objectives for the first few weeks or months to help your new employees track their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment early on. For example, you can set a goal for them to complete training or shadowing with a specific team member within their first month. The organization can then establish a method to accurately rate employees, enabling appropriate rewards and recognition, which in turn fosters retention.
5. Encourage open communication
Communication is key in any relationship, including the one between an employer and an employee. Establishing open lines of communication with new hires during the onboarding process is vital.
Encourage them to ask questions, provide feedback, and voice any concerns they may have. This will help them feel valued and heard from the start, leading to a more positive experience.
6. Offer training and development opportunities
Investing in your new hires’ training and development not only helps them improve their skills but also shows that you are committed to their long-term success within the company. This could include providing access to online courses, workshops, or mentoring programs. The right training can also help new hires become productive and independent in their roles faster.
7. Incorporate team-building activities
Team-building activities are a great way to foster relationships between team members and create a positive workplace. This is especially important during the onboarding, as it helps new hires feel like they’re part of the team from day one. Consider organizing team lunches, virtual games, or coffee chats to encourage social interactions and get to know each other.
You can also assign a team member to take the new hire on a tour of the office and introduce them to colleagues. This not only helps them feel more comfortable in their new environment but also builds camaraderie with their team.
8. Check in regularly
Leaving new hires to figure things out on their own can lead to feelings of isolation. Regular check-ins with managers or HR representatives can help new employees feel supported, address any challenges they may be facing, and offer guidance if needed. When employees feel confident and comfortable in their roles, they’re more likely to become committed and loyal to the company.
9. Continuously improve the employee onboarding process
The onboarding process should be an ongoing effort to integrate new hires into the company culture. Based on feedback, employee retention rates, and other performance metrics, regularly review and improve your training program. Reassessing and adapting your strategies will ensure that your orientation remains effective and relevant to your organization’s evolving needs.
Companies are only as good as their employees, and a successful onboarding process is necessary for building a strong and engaged workforce. By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive first impression, set clear expectations, and provide necessary support to help new hires become valuable and loyal members of your team.
See it in action
Indeed Flex helped a hospitality leader and long-term client, Hotel Du Vin, achieve a 98.1% repeat worker rate through the worker rating and feedback features available on the platform.
Both the employer and worker can input a rating out of 5 stars and provide written feedback. This encourages two-way communication that benefits both parties and helps them to build trusting, lasting relationships.
Book a demo to learn how Indeed Flex can improve your staffing.
