Businesses lose out on more than just money and time when onboarding a new employee falls through. It’s a frustrating process for everyone involved, and everyone walks away feeling like their time has been wasted.
Onboarding is the beginning stage of an employment relationship, making it a critical period when it comes to bringing a talented person in with the intention of having them take on company processes. According to multiple studies (including one conducted by SHRM), new employees generally have 90 days to prove their worth at a new job.
The quicker an employee can be brought up to speed, the more likely they are to feel welcome and prepared to fill their role. However, this process has many balls that can easily be dropped. Especially as a business searching for top talent who can perform in the long term.
So, how do businesses and potential employees support effective onboarding and avoid spinning their wheels? That’s what itec group plans to elaborate on today.
Let’s get straight into it!
The Importance of Effective Onboarding
By skipping or trying to plow through the onboarding process, prospective long-term employees can feel completely abandoned in their role without any direction, even if they have the necessary experience to succeed. Simply having the hard skills doesn't mean an employee has the ability to completely immerse themselves in a completely new environment.
Where a lot of employers go wrong is assuming that someone’s credentials mean they can immediately jump into a role without any hiccups, which can lead to problems. While it is important to hire someone who can work independently, even an experienced, top-performing candidate may not immediately understand your company’s culture, processes, or even software. Which means they may need some additional support to catch up to speed.
However, there are some blunders that potential candidates can run into as new employees, as well.
How Prospective Employees Can Prepare for Onboarding Success
As a prospective employee beginning the onboarding process for a new job, there are a few key things you can do to not only save yourself time and energy, but also the company you’re applying to. While you may feel you have no loyalty to one company or another, you need to treat every opportunity with respect. When you’re working in specialized industries, the last thing you want to do is leave a bad impression and burn bridges.
Chances are, the networks you rely on will be in direct communication with each other.
This means you need to go through every step of the process with a smile, prepared, and avoiding being seen as inconsiderate. Here are some additional tips on things to avoid when going through the onboarding process as a prospective candidate:
Arriving late or being unprepared
Avoiding questions when you’re confused
Assuming you already know how things work
Ignoring company policies or procedures
Failing to take notes during training
Missing deadlines for onboarding tasks or paperwork
Being resistant to feedback or coaching
Isolating yourself from coworkers
Complaining excessively about previous employers
Overpromising skills or experience
Not communicating progress or challenges
Multitasking or appearing disengaged during training
Neglecting to learn company culture and expectations
Waiting to be told everything instead of showing initiative
Dismissing smaller tasks as unimportant
There is nothing wrong with being humble, upfront, but also self-assured about the things that you do know. Acting too meek or too “above it all” won’t play out in your favour.
How Prospective Employers Can “Fool-Proof” the Onboarding Process
As an employer, there are a lot of responsibilities that come with the onboarding process. From receiving the resume to preparing the internal team for training and helping a new employee familiarize themselves with the company culture and policies -- there are simply a lot of steps required to turn a new employee into a seasoned company veteran.
What Strategies Work Best for Onboarding New Hires?
There are a few strategies that can help smooth out the onboarding process, keeping both parties well-informed and on the same page. Here are some examples:
Pre-Employment Communications
One of the best things a new employee can experience during the onboarding process is simply having a good orientation/first day. This includes offer letters, informative interviews, and follow-up communications that clarify, rectify, and reassure the prospective hire that their time is valued and that the company provides a positive first impression.
Team Introductions
By providing connections between a new hire and existing employees, employers can make the transition from newbie to established employee much smoother. By introducing candidates to teammates, supervisors, and direct reports, the company can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance early on. This ensures the newer employee feels welcomed and eager to learn/ask questions.
Clear Workplace Policies and Benefits
Onboarding shouldn't come with any secrets; any policies and benefits need to be discussed before the hiring process even comes full circle. This includes company expectations, workplace guidelines, HR policies, vacation, and company-supported benefits/probation periods.
Role Clarity and Support
Early onboarding should establish a strong understanding of the employee’s responsibilities and day-to-day expectations. Pairing new hires with a mentor or onboarding partner can also provide them with a reliable source of guidance and support as they settle into the role.
Why Businesses Need a Successful Onboarding Process
By having an effective onboarding strategy, a company can ensure every potential employee who walks through the door not only has a great experience but also utilizes their talents in a way that benefits everyone. With ongoing support and smooth transitions, new hires can be set on the right path. Let's explore some additional benefits to crafting a nearly fool-proof onboarding process:
Increase Employee Retention
According to popular research, it doesn't take that long for a new employee to decide whether they plan to stay at a job for long. In fact, 70% of new employees determine whether a role is the right fit within their first month, and 29% make that decision in as little as one week. By having an effective onboarding strategy, a business can remove a lot of the potential pitfalls and insecurities by eliminating wrongful notions about the job while also helping new employees understand the role early on.
Build Stronger Team Dynamics
It doesn't matter the position the new hire takes; teamwork will also be the core value that keeps every successful business running. Therefore, it's essential to encourage workplace relationships early on, as removing the awkwardness can make it easier for new hires to ask for help and mentorship. Likewise, if employees have a clear idea of who knows what, when, and where to seek help, it can reduce serious stress and potential friction within the team.
Build a More Positive Work Environment
The employers and new hires aren’t the only ones who put time and energy into the onboarding process; HR and other senior employees often have to step in to provide information, guidance, and even comprehensive training when someone new joins the team. However, this process can easily become frustrating if the current onboarding strategy causes potential hires to bail early. This wastes a lot of valuable time, money, and effort that could be put to more productive use.
This is why having a well-established, well-defined onboarding process eliminates the potential for these issues, saving frustration for everyone involved. In fact, it can be structured to ensure that everyone has a positive experience from the start of onboarding to the end.
Here are some points to consider when developing a strong onboarding strategy:
Helps employees feel valued from day one
Encourages open communication between staff and management
Reduces stress and uncertainty for new hires
Builds stronger relationships among team members
Creates clearer expectations and responsibilities
Improves employee confidence and engagement
Encourages collaboration and teamwork
Supports a more organized and supportive workplace
Increases employee satisfaction and morale
Helps foster trust in company leadership
Need Help Developing a Reliable Onboarding Strategy? Choose itec group
At itec group, our team is the foundation of everything we do. With diverse backgrounds, skills, and industry experience, our professionals work together to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional service to clients and candidates. By fostering collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development, we stay adaptable in a constantly evolving industry and remain committed to helping others succeed.
If you’re struggling to establish a strong onboarding strategy, you can rely on the services and expertise of itec group to help your business find meaningful connections to top talent. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
