Employee onboarding is an important process that helps new hires integrate into their roles and the company culture. It involves providing them with the necessary resources, tools, and information to succeed in their jobs and feel comfortable within the organisation.
Gone are the days when a business simply extended an offer to an employee and poured them into a cubicle with minimal context or direction on their first day.
The onboarding process can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the organisation’s size and complexity. Establishing a strong onboarding program that welcomes new employees, promotes engagement, and sets the foundation for long-term success in the organisation is essential.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know when starting new hire onboarding that encourages positive outcomes for both parties.
What is Employee Onboarding?
Employee onboarding (which incorporates “Induction”) is the process that occurs from the time the offer is accepted by the successful candidate. It is the process by which new employees are introduced to an organisation’s culture, policies, procedures, and expectations.
It encompasses a series of activities designed to build relationships between new hires and their managers and peers and provides them with the tools they need to succeed in their roles.
The primary objective of onboarding is to ensure new employees quickly acclimate to their roles and feel confident and comfortable in their new work environment.
A well-designed onboarding process is essential to the success of new employees and the organisation, as it establishes a foundation for job satisfaction, retention, productivity, and reduced employee turnover.
Why Should Companies Onboard New Hires?
Bringing in new employees can be a significant investment for any organisation. It involves recruiting, interviewing, and selecting suitable candidates for the job. However, even the most qualified new hires can struggle to perform their best without proper onboarding.
This is where the importance of an effective onboarding process comes in. Onboarding new employees can be time-consuming, but ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and integrated into the company’s culture is crucial to ensure they are able to be productive in the least amount of time.
Increases Employee Retention
Effective onboarding programs can significantly improve employee retention rates. When new hires feel welcomed, engaged, and supported, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
Studies have shown that employees who go through a structured onboarding program are 69% more likely to stay with their company for three years or more.
Improves Employee Productivity
The onboarding process is designed to help new employees understand their job responsibilities, company policies, and expectations. This understanding improves productivity, as new hires are better equipped to handle their tasks and work more efficiently.
In addition, onboarding helps new employees integrate into the company culture and foster a sense of belonging, increasing their motivation to perform well, and thereby increasing productivity.
Enhances Employee Satisfaction
An enjoyable onboarding experience can go a long way in ensuring new hires feel supported and valued. Giving them a clear understanding of what they can expect from their job and how they will grow in this role helps increase employee satisfaction.
With a structured program, they are better equipped to form meaningful relationships with their colleagues as it not only strengthens team morale and productivity but also fosters employee engagement within the company.
Reduces Employee Turnover
Losing an employee can be a high cost for a company, not just in terms of recruitment expenses but also the potential loss of valuable knowledge, skills, and experience. Effective onboarding helps new employees feel connected to their job and the company, reducing their likelihood of leaving.
Companies can save time and resources while retaining valuable employees, contributing to the organisation’s long-term success.
Next week, we’ll explore the “How” of onboarding to maximise the opportunity for the success of the new hire.
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