In our ever-changing workforce, creating a seamless onboarding process is more crucial than ever. This subject is imperative for company leaders in 2023, as Forbes recently published a study proving 81% of employees feel overwhelmed during the onboarding experience. When combined with our recent blog on retention and recruiting, this proves onboarding must be a priority for organizations going forward. With proper resources such as engaged HR support, an onboarding checklist and solid communication, your organization can create a more seamless experience specifically designed for onboarding new employees – and retaining them.
What the data tells us about new employee onboarding:
Thanks to a recent study from Forbes in partnership with Glean, we know onboarding is one of the keys to long-term employee retention. Their work found only 12% of employees strongly agreed their organization provided a great onboarding experience.
In addition to that disappointing finding, 42% of workers feel that their work information is spread across too many apps and platforms. To that end, the study also found that 81% of employees use more than 6 apps or platforms daily, and 33% are using more than 11.
As we recently reported in our recent article about employee retention (on our blog) as well, employees are more open to leaving work or switching jobs than they were before. Gallup’s latest study supports that fact, and adds in another layer: more than 85% of employees are unengaged at work. A majority of those surveyed are also willing to leave their job within 1-2 years if things do not improve.
Taking all of that into account, it is clear to see that retaining employees and keeping them engaged is important. But for many organizations, it can be too late once they come to that realization – well after the onboarding process is complete. So what can your company do to ensure your onboarding process conveys success?
How your organization can create an onboarding process:
One of the best ways to create a great onboarding experience for new employees is through an onboarding checklist. In this list, your organization can create a written methodology for onboarding that provides clarity and consistency across the board. Documentation also supports proper storage of information, clear expectations for employees going forward, and eliminates gaps in communication.
Once a checklist has been documented, brainstorm the best standards of practice for your organization’s software systems and apps. Because so many new employees report overwhelm using these resources, the best way to combat that is to create clarity and confidence with SOPs.
After your organization has completed a checklist and systems standards, take time to invest in what really matters: communication. Respondents to Forbes’ study stated that resources, relationships with colleagues and knowledge of org structure were highly valued by thriving employees. Rather than free lunches or team promotions, employees value feeling empowered, knowing where to go for help and resources for reference use. This is important during the onboarding process because those resources, relationships and feelings of empowerment start there. Ensure your organization begins investing in those early on in a new employee’s career.
Finally, bring in your network of leaders to assist. Engaged HR professionals, whether they are on-site support or fractional, can be a huge asset to organizations during the onboarding process. Their knowledge of best practices and compliance is critical for your company’s SOPs, as our recent blog about compliance shows. Tag in your teammates from the proper departments to double-check your process and ensure nothing is missing.
Why it matters to your company’s bottom line:
According to a recent study by Gallup, losing an employee will cost their company six- to nine- months of that employee’s salary. That is an especially high number when we keep in mind that the newest addition to the workforce - Gen Z - are leaving their jobs 134% more than they were in 2019, and 6 out of 10 millennials are considering leaving their jobs.
We know that smooth onboarding aides in retention of these employees, but it also saves your organization’s bottom line. Keeping top talent engaged at work, and creating an onboarding process that supplies them with the resources they need, will save the cost of lost resources, time and effort on their part – and will save the cost of replacing them. Not only are they a better, more engaged employee for their onboarding experience, but they will be a better resource for the next new employee too.
Where Humani comes in:
A strong HR support is fundamental to onboarding properly and successfully. If your organization needs extra support in this area, Humani is here to help! We work on either fractional or project bases, so we can plug in where your business needs us.
