Onboarding – the process by which new hires hone the knowledge, skills and behaviors they need to succeed in their roles – really matters. How well you plan and execute your onboarding process can impact employee performance, well-being, retention, learning and, last but not least, your company’s bottom line.
- The proof is in the numbers: Results of a recent Gallup poll showed that employees who had a highly positive onboarding experience were 2.6 times more likely to be happy at their jobs and to stay with their company.
- On the flip side, research also has shown that new hires are twice as likely to look for a new job if they are disappointed with their onboarding – and each of those rehires can cost your business between 50 and 200 percent of a person’s annual salary.
Here are some practical tips to help ensure you get onboarding right and not risk losing valuable new talent:
Preboard
As long as a new hire has officially accepted your offer, it’s never too early to open communication lines and continue building a lasting mutual relationship. Before a person’s first day on the job, preboarding to-do items might include:
- Sending a welcome kit with an FAQ booklet and some company-branded swag like a tee shirt, laptop, mug, or other appropriate branded item. You can also send an introductory email with details on what to bring and expect on Day One.
- Completing routine administrative tasks like employment forms, bank information for payroll purposes, and the like.
Build Connections
During pre and onboarding, help new hires integrate with their new colleagues and foster a sense of belonging at your company. Even if your team is fully remote, you can make interactions happen; for instance, host virtual watercooler talks and coworking events, or an online Happy Hour.
- Put emphasis on making meetings safe places. New hires may hold back their opinions because they feel they don’t have enough experience to speak up. Make sure they feel safe sharing their views. You may want to directly invite them to do so, by saying something like, “ Let’s hear from our newest team member. Do you have a fresh perspective on this project?” Gauge overall team dynamics to help define the best approach.
Avoid Information Overload
Consuming too much information at once can lead to stress, fatigue, and poor decision-making – not qualities you want to instill in your new hires. Avoid long to-do lists or overwhelming meetings or activities during a person’s first few days. Instead, pace their learning on what they need to know on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis.
- Schedule frequent check-ins to help new employees ramp up. These are a key part of your communication and information-sharing process.
The PrideStaff Fresno team is ready to hit the ground running to help you develop your winning hiring strategies, including onboarding once you land desired talent. Reach out to us today to learn more.