Onboarding: A Key Component of Talent Retention
THE SITUATION
John was so excited to start his brand-new job at an ad agency.
He walked into the office on his first day, eager to dive in, when he got to his desk, he was informed his boss was out traveling, and half of his team was working remotely. After filling out paperwork with HR, he found himself at a desk with no clear instructions, no immediate tasks, and no one to turn to for guidance.
Uncomfortable, alone, and unsure of how to make a meaningful start, John felt his excitement slipping away, replaced by uncertainty and isolation. The lack of direction left him disconnected, and without immediate support or tasks, he began questioning if this was the right environment for him. Did he want to work in an organization that doesn't consider its people?
✍🏼This experience illustrates the importance of structured onboarding with a human-first approach🧍🏻♀️🧍🏽♂️
🧐 THE STATS 📊
Glassdoor research shows that a well-organized onboarding process can increase employee retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%
Up to 20% of employee turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment, with a poor onboarding experience being a leading factor according to a study by Wynhurst Group
THE REFERENCE ARTICLE
The Power of Belonging: How Cultural Onboarding Improves Retention
THE OVERVIEW
The article above emphasizes the importance of cultural onboarding as a critical factor in employee retention and engagement. As leaders, we need to rethink our understanding and process for onboarding our new talent. It is not about HR and the paperwork necessary in order to receive a paycheck, it is about immersing new hires into the company's values, processes and social dynamics.
About 80% of new hires report feeling anxious or uncertain when starting a new position. This anxiety stems from several factors, including fear of the unknown, concerns about making a good impression, and uncertainty about their role and responsibilities.
Our job, as leaders and executives, is to do our best to minimize the first day, do I fit in, am I good enough, jitters 80% of new employees have when walking into the building for the first time.
🔅 The Old Way: Onboarding was about paperwork and getting everything settled with HR so you can get a paycheck on the 15th of the month. Figure it out, we're too busy, learn as you go.
🔆 The Modern Way: Immersing new hires in the company’s values, cultural nuances, and social dynamics in order to create certainty in uncertain times. When talent is onboarding properly through setting clear expectations, connecting employees and sharing the mission and vision of the company, it fosters interpersonal connections to boost belonging.
Thoughtful onboarding conveys organizational care, accelerates learning, and preserves company culture. By investing in these processes, companies not only help new hires integrate more smoothly but also improve retention, as employees feel valued and confident in their roles from day one. Essentially, the right onboarding sets the foundation for long-term satisfaction and success.
🤔 WHAT MGXW CONSULTING THINKS
Mimi and I are passionate about the onboarding process and consult with organizations to ensure they give their employees the experience reminiscence of the organizational vibe.
Structured, planned and well-thought-out and well-orchestrated onboarding, particularly with a focus on cultural integration, is an absolutely essential for fostering both individual success and organizational growth. We've seen the benefits of building results-driven, human-focused organizations, and understand an employees' first experience in a company sets the tone.
First impressions on the first day of a job can have a long-lasting impact on an employee. Just like in everyday interactions, first-day experiences at work are shaped by the same quick, snap judgments. Within seven seconds, new hires are already forming impressions based on their surroundings, interactions with colleagues, and the way they are welcomed into the workplace.
These impressions stick due to the primacy effect, where initial judgments carry more weight and are hard to change.
DO THIS ONE THING☝🏼
👨🏼🤝👨🏾Assign a buddy to each new hire on their first day. This person can guide them through the office, introduce them to team members, and answer questions—creating an immediate sense of support and connection. A buddy helps alleviate first-day anxiety and builds confidence, allowing the new employee to feel more at ease from the start.
Research shows that social integration early on boosts employee engagement and reduces turnover. This small step can make a huge impact by turning an uncertain first day into a welcoming and productive experience.
Are your onboarding practices in need of fine tuning? Head on over to learn more about our powerful development program, Onboarding for Belonging.
