Onboarding is typically viewed as a brief, introductory process conducted over a week or two to help your new hire become familiar with their role. However, Gallup reports that new employees typically take around 12 months to reach their full potential within a role. Many onboarding programs focus on processes, paperwork and introductory chats, which then leave new hires without the necessary tools and training to succeed in their new role.
With one in two companies losing more talent in 2022 than in the previous year, employee turnover is a significant concern for businesses, especially during the first months of employment. However, a robust onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.
Surveys reveal that only 12% of employees agree that their company has a good onboarding program, and one in three HR professionals don’t believe their onboarding process is up to standard. Furthermore, 35% of companies spend zero on the onboarding process, and 55% do not measure its impact, despite evidence that engaging new hires from day one is crucial for long-term success. Engaged employees exhibit higher attendance rates and increased productivity, with highly engaged business units experiencing an 81% difference in absence and a 14% difference in productivity.
Engaged workers are also more likely to stay with their employers, resulting in reduced attrition rates. Additionally, engaged employees contribute to improved customer satisfaction and increased sales. Gallup reports that creating a culture of engagement can lead to a 23% uplift in profitability.
A holistic onboarding approach ensures that new employees quickly gain competency and remain engaged from day one. This strategy goes beyond orientation and training, focusing on integrating new hires, clarifying their roles and responsibilities, and providing ongoing support throughout the critical first six months.
Download our onboarding guide to discover the core elements of an effective onboarding programme and the best practices to follow when implementing them in your workplace.