5 Ways to Streamline Your Company’s Onboarding Process

A positive onboarding experience is your chance to make a good impression on new hires and set them up for success at your company. However, conducting a thorough onboarding process can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task for HR and People Teams. If performed manually, a significant amount of admin and paperwork are involved.

To streamline the onboarding process, HR Teams need access to technology and support that automates onboarding as much as possible. This article shares insights on the importance of an efficient onboarding process, and how you can deliver a better experience for both hiring managers and new employees.

The Importance of Efficient Onboarding

The competition for new talent is intense across all business sizes and sectors. People Teams are experiencing immense pressure to fill new positions while addressing increased levels of turnover. In this context, a streamlined onboarding process offers several benefits:

1.      Better employee experience

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is especially true for new hires. Starting a new job is a nerve-wracking adjustment, and the employee will be on high alert for signs they have made the right career move. A streamlined onboarding process is the first step in a long-term, positive employee experience. By demonstrating that you value employee development, company culture, and frequent check-ins, you show new hires that you care about their experience in the workplace.

2.      Increased employee retention

Employee retention is a top priority for many organizations, especially during a time when competition for talent is at an all-time high. There is a strong relationship between employee retention and the onboarding process. Considering 20% of employee turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment, you can’t afford to neglect new hires. A high turnover rate is costly, especially when you account for the vacancy period and work involved to backfill the position. Although some turnover is expected, it’s good to optimize your worker’s lifetime value from day one.

3.      Improved employee engagement

A streamlined onboarding process familiarizes and connects employees with the organization’s mission, vision, goals, values, and culture. It also lets them know their responsibilities and how they contribute to the organization’s success, thereby increasing their engagement. This may seem like a minor benefit, but studies have shown engaged employees are more productive, have lower levels of absenteeism, and are more likely to have a long tenure with your company.

4.      Easier recruitment

New employees are unlikely to recommend an employer to others in their network following a poor onboarding experience. Dissatisfied employees can also publish their opinions on employer review sites and potentially tarnish your brand. On the other hand, a positive onboarding experience can inspire employees to spread the word about your workplace culture and benefits, which inevitably makes recruitment easier. Even better, they’re more likely to directly refer their connections for open vacancies, which is a faster and less expensive way to source new talent.