Your company has a new employee. That’s great! Now what? Do you have a process in place to set your new hire up for success? Or, do you just let them figure things out on their own?
Statistics show companies that neglect to welcome people to their team end up with lower retention rates. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review, up to 20% of staff turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment. So, what can you do to make sure the candidates you worked so hard to recruit stick around?
Three Steps to Set Your New Hire Up for Success
Too often companies only complete one or two of these steps. However, if you want your new employees to be successful, ALL three are necessary.
- Induction
Induction is the process of welcoming new hires to your team. This may include sending them a care package, decorating their desk, presenting them with company swag, hosting a meet-and-greet and/or giving them a tour of your facilities. Induction usually lasts through their first day. - Orientation
Orientation is what most people consider to be the boring stuff. New hires need to sign-up for payroll, complete the necessary forms, familiarize themselves with organizational policies, review branding and style guides and set up their company phone and/or computer. Asking a newbie to cover all this ground in one day can be exhausting. Therefore, most businesses stretch orientation over the course of a few days or a week. - Onboarding
People use the word onboarding to refer to the complete new-hire journey from signed contract to fully engaged employee. Unfortunately, many companies think Induction + Orientation = Onboarding. And, this is NOT the case. Onboarding should be a comprehensive two-way process that transforms new hires into confident and empowered team members. Effective onboarding should last weeks, months or even up to a year depending on the complexity of the job. During this time, recently added employees may be continuing to familiarize themselves with the organization, going through training, setting goals, receiving feedback, participating in mentorship programs and matching their vision to that of the business.
How a Poor Introductory Process Leads to Low Retention
- First Impressions Matter
When a new hire arrives to work on their first day only to find the company has done NOTHING to prepare. They get a message, “This place is disorganized.” And, then they start looking elsewhere. - Onboarding, Engagement, and Turnover Are Related
Consultant Amy Hirsh Robinson says, “Onboarding is a magic moment when new employees decide to stay engaged or become disengaged.” When companies fail to connect with new hires during the first few weeks, their employees are less likely to buy in and more likely to search for other opportunities.
Is Your Company Looking for New Hires You Can Set Up for Success?
BOS Staffing can help your organization find the talent you need in Atlanta, Georgia and beyond. As a relationship-first company, our recruiters will work diligently to deliver highly productive people who fit seamlessly into your team. Learn more about the benefits of hiring through BOS Staffing today!
