Switch Language
A great team is made up of productive, high-performing employees. Equally important, they should be happy and love what they do. Employee happiness is largely shaped by the workplace environment, and much of that environment is created by managers. That’s why, beyond hiring qualified candidates, it’s essential to train them to become exceptional members during the onboarding process.
Interestingly, the employee onboarding process has a significant impact that many companies may not realize. A survey by Gallup found that organizations with effective onboarding processes can boost employee retention by up to 82% and productivity by up to 70%.
Onboarding is the process where companies welcome and integrate new employees into their work environment. It’s more than just the first day on the job; onboarding continues until the new hires are fully familiar with their role and team.
According to Zippia, onboarding has a significant effect on employee retention and productivity. For example, employees are 69% more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experience effective onboarding.
Additionally, 78% of companies that invest in onboarding reported increased revenue in their last fiscal year. However, surprisingly, about 88% of companies don’t onboard well, and only 12% of employees strongly agree that their companies onboard effectively.
SHRM highlights that onboarding isn’t just a formal introduction through orientation; it’s a comprehensive process involving management and colleagues, which can last up to 12 months.
The employee onboarding process serves several key purposes:
Enhancing Employee Retention
Data from Zippia shows that employees are 69% more likely to stay at a company for three years if they experience a good onboarding process. This is crucial given the cost and resources needed for recruitment and training.
With improved retention and productivity, companies can reduce costs associated with high turnover, such as recruiting and training new employees.
Accelerating Employee Productivity
Effective onboarding helps new hires reach full productivity faster. Without proper onboarding, employees may take longer to understand their role, which can negatively affect company performance.
Introducing new hires to their colleagues and managers helps build a support network that’s valuable for their career at the company.
Good onboarding offers new employees a clear understanding of their role and the company’s expectations, reducing confusion and enhancing performance.
Boosting Employee Engagement
A thorough onboarding process shows the company’s commitment to professional growth and employee well-being, which can improve engagement and job satisfaction.
According to SHRM, effective onboarding includes introducing the company’s structure, culture, vision, mission, and values, helping new employees feel connected and valued within their teams.
Read Related Article : Phase 2: How employers can prepare for their staffs’ return to work
Through well-designed strategies, employers can not only accelerate the adaptation of new employees but also foster long-term engagement, loyalty, and productivity.
By understanding and applying the key principles of onboarding, as outlined in the following points, businesses can optimize these benefits and create a supportive work environment for all team members.
It’s important to create a detailed onboarding plan. This includes setting onboarding goals, identifying necessary activities, and establishing a clear timeline. According to Workable, planning the first week for a new hire is a key step in organizing important activities such as orientation, training, and team introductions.
Maintain regular communication with new employees before and during the onboarding process. This helps them feel valued and informed. Zippia reports that good communication during onboarding shapes a new hire’s initial impression of the company and enhances their engagement.
Focus on a thorough orientation that includes an introduction to company policies, culture, and organizational values. SHRM emphasizes that orientation is the first step in onboarding and crucial for providing new employees with a solid understanding of their workplace.
Offer appropriate training to help new employees understand their role. Training can range from technical skills to soft skills, depending on the position’s requirements.
Organize activities that foster relationships between new hires and their colleagues, such as team lunches or networking events. Workable suggests that this is key to building connections and making new employees feel comfortable within the team.
Ensure new hires have access to the resources they need to work efficiently, including work tools, access to company systems, and support from coworkers or managers.
Provide regular feedback and evaluate the onboarding process. Zippia notes that this not only helps new employees adjust to their roles but also enables HR to improve and adapt the onboarding process for future hires.
Pair new employees with a ‘buddy’ or mentor to help them navigate early challenges and integrate more quickly into the team and company.
Tailor the onboarding process to meet the unique needs of each employee, particularly for different roles or backgrounds. For example, onboarding for remote employees may require a different approach compared to those working on-site.
Extend onboarding beyond the first week or month. SHRM recommends that effective onboarding can last up to a year, depending on the complexity of the role and the organization’s needs.
When these strategies are effectively implemented, companies can build an onboarding program that enhances retention, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
Glints TalentHub is our complete talent solution that covers all aspects of talent acquisition, management, and development. Our team can help you access the extensive talent pool across Southeast Asia and build great teams quickly and affordably. Simply schedule a call with us and our dedicated experts will be thrilled to guide you in your journey towards building a borderless team.
This article is brought to you by Glints TalentHub. Leading companies are actively building their borderless teams in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and beyond. However, the prospect of going borderless can be daunting due to complex regulations and cultural ambiguities. With Glints TalentHub, you’ll have a dedicated team of in-market legal, HR, and talent experts by your side at every step of the way.
Glints TalentHub offers an end-to-end, tech-enabled talent solution that encompasses talent acquisition, EOR, and talent development. We empower businesses to leverage the strengths of regional talent efficiently to build high-performing, cost-efficient teams.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experts to receive a tailored prop
Never miss a beat! Follow our social media channels for specially curated insights, knowledge and best practices to help you hire, retain and improve on your human capital.
