Employee Onboarding – 9 Ways to Increase Employee Engagement and Retention

Employee onboarding is a critical process for any organization. When done effectively, it not only helps new hires become productive and integrated into the company culture but also significantly impacts employee retention. A well-structured onboarding program with meaningful milestones can set the stage for a successful and lasting employee-employer relationship. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best practices for onboarding that can help increase new employee retention and enhance the overall employee experience, supported by key statistics.

Personalized Welcome

The onboarding process should begin with a warm and personalized welcome for each new employee. According to a survey by Glassdoor, companies with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82%. Encouraging the hiring manager to have a “virtual coffee” with their direct reports on their first day is a great way to build rapport. An onboarding welcome kit is another great way to show commitment, care and appreciations to the new employees. With automated gifting platforms, like Client Giant, this is a fast and easy process.

Clear Expectations and Milestones

Setting clear expectations and defining milestones for new hires is essential. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employees who go through a structured onboarding program are 58% more likely to be with the organization after three years. Providing them with 30-60-90 day milestones sets a clear path on expectations.

Comprehensive Training

Providing comprehensive training is a cornerstone of effective onboarding. The Aberdeen Group found that organizations with a standard onboarding process experience 50% greater new hire productivity.

Mentorship and Buddy Programs

Assigning a mentor or buddy to new employees can greatly enhance their onboarding experience. A survey by Gallup reveals that employees who have a close friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job, which also increases their productivity.

Ongoing Feedback and Evaluation

Continuous feedback and evaluation are crucial during the onboarding process. Managers should set weekly 1:1 meetings with direct reports to discuss objectives for the week, month, etc. According to BambooHR, 53% of new hires say that receiving feedback is the most important part of their onboarding experience.

Celebrate Achievements

To make onboarding more meaningful, it’s important to celebrate milestones and achievements. A study by the Harvard Business Review shows that recognition and praise can increase employee engagement by up to 60%.

Encourage Social Integration

Building relationships within the organization is vital for employee retention. The Corporate Leadership Council found that employees who feel their company is socially engaging are 87% less likely to leave. Encourage new employees to participate in ERGs (employee resource groups). 

Customized Development Plans

Developing a customized career development plan for each employee can demonstrate a long-term commitment to their growth. Set short and long-term goals to achieve their desired career path. According to LinkedIn, employees who see a future at their company are 21% more likely to stay.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Onboarding should be a flexible and adaptable process. Understand your new hires’ preferred communication style and work environment. A survey by Deloitte reveals that 94% of employees value a flexible work arrangement, which can positively impact their job satisfaction and retention. 

Conclusion

The statistics speak for themselves – a well-structured onboarding program with timely milestones can have a significant impact on new employee retention. By implementing these best practices, companies can create a positive and engaging onboarding experience that not only benefits the new hires but also the organization as a whole. Employee retention is not just a matter of chance; it can be achieved through thoughtful and strategic onboarding processes.