Few moments matter more than a new employee’s first day. That initial experience sets the tone for their entire relationship with your organisation and getting it right can make all the difference.
Why is Onboarding Important for New Employees?
Onboarding isn’t just about HR paperwork and procedures, it’s the beginning of a relationship. When done thoughtfully, it transforms a nervous new starter into a confident team member who feels valued, integrated, and aligned with the company’s mission from day one.
A study by Gallup found that 70% of employees who believed they had exceptional onboarding experiences stated that their job was the best one possible. Furthermore, these employees were found to be 2.6 times as likely to be extremely satisfied with their workplace. As a result, employees were more likely to stay – showing that great onboarding may just be the key to finding and retaining the best employees.
Essentially, a well-structured onboarding process builds employee trust, increases motivation, and accelerates the time needed to reach full potential. When done right, onboarding becomes a competitive advantage, helping companies attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market.
Common Onboarding Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
Despite how beneficial a great onboarding process can be, only 12% of employees believe that their company does a good job of onboarding.
The thing is, many organisations and HR departments understand the importance of onboarding; however, they struggle to implement it effectively. The most common pitfalls include:
Information overload: Bombarding new starters with too much information creates anxiety rather than confidence.
Administrative focus: Prioritising paperwork over people turns onboarding into a transaction rather than a welcome.
Inconsistent experiences: When onboarding varies widely between departments, it creates confusion and inequality.
Ending too soon: Treating onboarding as a one-day event rather than an ongoing process leaves new employees feeling abandoned. It can take employees up to 12 months to reach their full potential!
Organisations that overcome these challenges understand that effective onboarding is both systematic and personal – it follows a clear structure while recognising each new employee as an individual.
Practical Tips for a Successful Onboarding
To structure an effective onboarding process, here are some key tips that can make all the difference:
1. Start Before Day One
Before the first day, ensure that everything is set up—from tool access to necessary materials. A well-prepared environment conveys professionalism and a warm welcome.
2. Personalise the Experience
Every employee is unique. Adapt the onboarding plan to the specific needs of each role and individual. This could include tailored training sessions or meetings with key colleagues.
3. Introduce Your Company Culture
Dedicate time to sharing the organisation’s values and mission. Interactive sessions or real-life stories can help new hires better understand and connect with the company.
4. Provide Ongoing Support and Gather Feedback
The best onboarding programs evolve based on the experiences of those who matter most – your employees.
Monitor progress during the first few months and encourage employees to share their experiences. Continuous feedback is essential for improving the onboarding process.
5. Celebrate Small Milestones
Setting goals and recognising early achievements is a simple yet powerful way to boost motivation and show employees they are valued.
6. Support Remote Onboarding Needs
With remote and hybrid work now commonplace, effective onboarding must work for employees wherever they are. This requires:
- Virtual welcome sessions that create connection despite distance
- Digital resources that are accessible by remote employees anytime, anywhere
- Regular check-ins to combat isolation
- Creative approaches to building relationships remotely
Remote onboarding done well can be just as effective as in-person experiences when the human element remains the priority.
Why Investing in Onboarding is Essential
Companies that prioritise onboarding not only reduce turnover rates but also increase employee satisfaction and enhance their employer brand reputation.
Onboarding is the gateway to a long-term, productive relationship—every detail matters.
The Role of Employee Onboarding Software in Modern Onboarding
Tools like Factorial can simplify and optimise onboarding by:
✅ Automating administrative tasks, such as document signing and information sharing.
✅ Centralising key resources, like handbooks and training videos, in one place.
✅ Tracking each employee’s progress and sending notifications at key moments.
These solutions free up HR teams to focus on the human side of onboarding, which is crucial for creating a positive and engaging experience.
Let’s Make HR Human from Day One
Effective onboarding isn’t just about what new employees learn – it’s about how they feel. When someone feels welcomed, valued, and supported from their very first interaction, they’re more likely to become engaged, productive team members who stay with your organisation long-term.
With a well-structured process supported by modern tools, your company can turn every onboarding experience into a success story.
👉 Ready to optimise onboarding at your company? Find out how Factorial can help.
At Petaurum HR, we believe in making HR human at every stage of the employee journey, starting with that crucial first impression.
Let’s talk about creating a process that works for your people and your business.