Over the years, the strategic onboarding process continues to be a primary focus of most organizations all around the globe. As per a report by Human Capital Institute, companies who have invested in improving their onboarding experience may see benefits, for example, decreased time to proficiency, reduced turnover, increased employee retention, and better engagement levels.

Even more, there are various statistical proofs out there that can let you know how your onboarding process can affect employee retention. For example,

• A great employee onboarding process can help you increase employee retention by 82%.
• A negative employee onboarding process can make your new hires 2x more likely to start looking for other opportunities.

Nearly every industry is experiencing high turnover plagues. Even some reasons behind your employees decide to leave an organization can be out of your control. At the same time, some factors are under your control that can also influence your staff members to look otherwise.

One of the most impactful and easiest ways to address employee turnover is via a strategic onboarding program. Companies that have engaging onboarding processes are retaining about 91% of their first-year employees.

That’s why knowing about what can make your onboarding process more engaging is important.

( Also Read: The Ultimate Guide on Employee Attrition )

What’s essential to include in your onboarding program to keep your team around?

Here are some of the most important steps you should include in your onboarding process to keep your workforce around.

1. 30/60/90 Day Plan

   A 30/60/90 Day Plan is arguably one of the most important elements to consider for your onboarding program. It is because this plan is your new hires’ overview for three months ramp up. Even more, you can also let them understand what you are expecting from them here. So, they can get more familiar with your work and the organization’s environment. Even more, they can get to know more about their role in the company in the best possible way.

   Also, managers can get the opportunity to set the maximum of their objectives. Additionally, they will also leave some areas blank for the new hire of your company to fill. The new hire will do this based on how they want to grow.

   In short, this plan can give managers and employees a clear and measurable way to monitor their progress. So, they can adjust their action course with ease.

2. Training is a Necessity in Onboarding

   As per a report by Career Builder, about 25% of companies have onboarding plans that lack training.

   Commonly, organizations have a concept that if someone will develop a necessary skill under their training program. Then the risk of losing employees will increase. Even more, they will use those skills to get the job to their competitors.

   It can be an opportunity to make your great onboarding process pay off.

   It is because Onboarding can be an excellent opportunity to welcome new employees. You can even immerse them into your organization’s culture. Also, you can show them the necessary ways to achieve their professional goals while making them an important part of your organization.

3. Use a Phased Approach

   You must adopt a phased approach while assigning work to the new employees. It’s because this is the best way to make your new hires familiarize themselves with your company’s environment. At the same time, they can learn what their actual role entails in a more digestible format.

   • Consequently, the first project of your new hire will meet its objectives more effectively. While continuing to ramp up, you can also assign your new hires more work gradually.
   • During this process, you won’t burden or make your new hire feel bored. Consequently, they will also understand their value and position in the company.

   So, just go ahead and use a phased approach while giving them work.

4. Keep the Energy Going

   Usually, the starting days of an employer are full of excitement. However, you must don’t let that energy disappear after a week. For that, ensure to build energy within your organization’s culture while encouraging recognition and inclusion of employees.

   • Let everyone in your company feel that they are valued and an important part of the organization.
   • Make sure everyone has a voice and courage to put their point across in your company.
   • No matter what process you are implementing, employee feedback is essential. This can be an amazing way to promote an exciting and more positive environment in your company.

   Consequently, this will let your employees feel every day like their first day. Even more, it can also help you to keep your team around for longer.

5. Increased Retention with Onboarding

   New hires who have been a part of your strategic onboarding process are about 69% more likely to stay with your company for up to 3 years. However, a lack of a strategic onboarding process can let you lose talented employees more often. This may be because they feel ambiguous, alienated, or confused. Consequently, they will also lack confidence in their new environment and role.

   So, you must ensure to work on your onboarding process to bring everyone on the same page.

6. Strong Onboarding = Cost Savings

   According to the SHRM report, the average cost of filling a vacant position in an organization is between $3,000 to $18,000. This can let you know how important to hire employees that have the expertise and can stick to the company.

   However, the risk of losing your employees can increase when a company fails to engage them with their onboarding process. At the same time, the cost of establishing a well-rounded onboarding process is way lower than hiring employees.

   So, ensure to stay strong throughout your onboarding and hiring process. Take enough time to hire the right talent. At the same time, you have your strategic onboarding process ready to stick them to your company in the best possible way.

Final Thought

The onboarding process is arguable an important aspect of increasing employee retention in the best possible way. There are various ways you can consider to improve your onboarding process. However, ensure to imply the above-mentioned ways to create a more strategic onboarding process for increased employee retention in the best possible way.

Other Useful Resources:

Benefits of Performance Management for Organization and Employees

25 Benefits of Employee Engagement That You Did’nt Know

Key Factors that Affect Employee Performance

Checklist: Employee Onboarding Best Practices

Employee Engagement – A Complete Guide