Any organisation that wants to be successful needs to have an effective onboarding process for new employees. The goal of onboarding is to help new hires adjust to their new surroundings, learn about their job duties, and become productive members of the team.
Cezanne HR’s latest onboarding report polled 1,000 employees across the U.K. and Ireland to find out their thoughts on the onboarding process. Here are some of the key findings from the report:
1. Face-to-face meetings are essential
The report found that 42% of employees feel that face-to-face meetings with their managers are essential to feeling welcomed in their new role. This is likely because meeting someone in person allows for a more personal connection to be made, which can help new hires feel more comfortable and confident in their new surroundings.
2. Onboarding should start before the first day
Starting the onboarding process early will help new hires to feel more prepared and confident on their first day, and will also allow them to start strongly from day one.
27% of respondents who were remote workers felt that their current company provided little or no onboarding before their first day. This can lead to new hires feeling lost and confused, which can make it harder for them to adjust to their new role.
3. Employees want more than just the basics
The onboarding process is an opportunity to give new hires a comprehensive overview of the company, their job duties, and what they can expect from the role. However, the survey found that 22% of employees heard nothing from their managers before their first day on the job.
In order for the onboarding process to be successful, managers need to be properly prepared. This includes having a solid plan in place, communicating with new hires before their first day, and answering any questions they may have.
4. Isolation is a common concern for new hires
It’s important that managers take the time to check in with new hires regularly, and see how they’re settling into their new roles. This is especially important for remote workers, who can sometimes feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the company.
The survey found that isolation was a common concern for new hires, with 13% of respondents saying they often felt alone and isolated with minimal support, and 6% feeling totally isolated and forgotten about.
5. A positive onboarding experience leads to loyalty
The onboarding process can have a significant impact on how new hires feel about their choice of employer. In fact, the survey found that 13% of employees had questioned their choice of the employer because of their onboarding experience.
The first few days and weeks can be a make-or-break period for new hires. If they have a positive experience, they’re more likely to stay with the company long-term.
6. Mismatch between job description and reality
It’s important for managers to be realistic when creating job descriptions, and to make sure that the expectations they set are achievable. This will help to avoid any disappointment or frustration from new hires.
The survey found that 17% of employees felt there was a mismatch between the job description and the reality of the job, and 6% said ended up doing something completely different. This can lead to a feeling of being misled and can make it harder for new hires to adjust to their new role.
7. A little training goes a long way
On-the-job training is a crucial part of the onboarding process, yet the survey found that only 43% of employees felt they received sufficient training. This can leave new employees feeling unprepared and uncertain about their job duties.
Providing new hires with some form of training, even if it’s just a few hours of online courses, can help them feel more confident and prepared for their new roles.
Onboarding is a crucial process for both employers and employees. It’s an opportunity for employers to make a good impression on new hires, and to set them up for success in their new role.
Managers need to be aware of the common concerns and issues that new hires face, and take steps to address them. By doing so, they can ensure that new hires have a positive experience and are more likely to stay with the company long term.
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