Boost Retention and Engagement with the Best Onboarding Practices for New Hires

Introduction

Did you know only 12% of employees believe that their company is doing a good job of properly onboarding new hires? Furthermore, when it comes to retention and engagement, an increase of 82% can be achieved by following the best onboarding practices for new hires. That goes to show how much impact on reducing turnover and improving employee satisfaction an organization can have by focusing on mastering the art of onboarding.

So, if you’re looking at the best practices when it comes to onboarding your new staff, you’ve reached the right place. So, without further ado, let’s begin with preboarding.

Start Before Day One – Preboarding

When it comes to onboarding, some people believe it begins the day the employee walks into work. However, there is more to it if you want to be on par with companies that have the best engagement and retention rates, and that is by ensuring preboarding; it essentially sets the welcoming expectations and ensures new hires feel valued immediately. Examples are sending an official welcome email with an employee onboarding checklist (a sort of itinerary but for work). Furthermore, it can include helpful resources and introductions to their new team. Sharing company swag or personalized messages from team members can also significantly enhance their first-day experience.

Structured Onboarding Programs for Success

Did you know onboarding goes well beyond the first day at work? Having planned and structured onboarding process steps for the first 30, 60, and 90 days enhances a new employee’s productivity, satisfaction, and engagement. Ensure they have all the tools available to them and, if there are any trainings or walkthroughs, that they are conducted at the right time and intervals. Outline goals, responsibilities, and expectations so that they are empowered to know what is expected of them. 

Furthermore, keep an open communication with them and ensure regular check-ins that set the tone for ongoing support. These actions help mitigate feelings of isolation and confusion that are commonly experienced by people when they are in a new environment. Additionally, pairing newcomers with experienced employees as mentors can facilitate faster integration into the team.

Leverage Technology and AI for Seamless Onboarding

In this day and age, not relying on technology is crucial for improving efficiency and automating redundant tasks. Using AI-driven innovation, many administrative tasks like documentation, equipment setup, and tech support can be automated. Using AI and other tech tools, such as intuitive chatbots and e-learning platforms, can help with onboarding new employees remotely. 

However, we have to give a disclaimer: please include a balance of using people and AI; humans prefer interaction and contact with live persons on important and personal work-related matters. Learning redundant things, such as work-related tools and processes, and training are effective when done through AI; however, keeping this crucial balance will increase employee satisfaction, ultimately improving employee retention.

Make It Relevant - Personalized Onboarding

If you want to up the onboarding game, then you need to go above and beyond regular processes and procedures and into the realm of personalized onboarding. Companies try to have one onboarding for all staff; it can work for small businesses and companies; however, it can be detrimental for large corporations. Since roles vary, so do the individuals who work in those roles. Tailoring training programs based on role-specific skills and personal learning styles helps new employees feel engaged and confident.

Create an Engaging First Day Experience

The first day sets the stage for the entire employee journey. Exceptional onboarding includes innovative new hire orientation ideas. Go beyond traditional orientation sessions by incorporating interactive activities, team-building exercises, and informal meet-and-greets. Engaging activities foster an immediate sense of belonging, directly impacting long-term retention and job satisfaction.

Continuously Collect Feedback

Great onboarding programs evolve continuously. Collecting ongoing feedback through surveys and personal discussions allows HR teams to refine processes and address any shortcomings promptly. Employees who feel their voices are heard are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their roles.

Emphasize Company Culture and Values

Onboarding is not just about job duties—it’s also about fitting into the organization’s culture. Include sessions that clearly articulate the company’s values, mission, and expectations. Storytelling sessions, where existing employees share their experiences, can effectively communicate culture and inspire new hires.

Remote and Hybrid Onboarding – Adjust Your Approach

As remote and hybrid work becomes standard, onboarding practices must evolve accordingly. Effective strategies for remote onboarding include virtual orientations, online social interactions, and digital training resources. Ensuring remote workers have the same level of support and resources as on-site employees is essential for cohesive team dynamics and productivity.

Measure and Improve

Finally, analytics can be used to measure onboarding effectiveness. Track employee retention rates, engagement levels, and performance metrics post-onboarding. Regular analysis provides insights into areas needing improvement and validates successful strategies.

In Conclusion – Take Your Onboarding Process to the Next Level

The onboarding journey directly influences your ability to attract and retain top talent. By incorporating these effective onboarding strategies, you can build a resilient workforce and nurture employee loyalty.

Are you searching for a way to streamline your onboarding and hiring practices even further? Consider adopting an innovative video job board like DigitalHire. Its AI-powered solutions help you engage top-tier candidates efficiently, automate initial screenings, and create compelling candidate experiences—perfect for those niche roles that require specialized attention.