Why Positive Onboarding Experience Matters?

Authored by YouMe Jeon, Managing Director, Korea & Regional Business Group Head.

When it comes to welcoming new employees, the onboarding process plays an important role in shaping employee experience within an organisation. It's not just about paperwork and orientation; it's an opportunity to set the stage for a successful and healthy workplace journey. For qualified candidates, it's an exciting time filled with anticipation and perhaps a few nerves.

Effective employee onboarding is crucial for the success of both the individual and the organisation. It sets the tone for an employee's job satisfaction and impacts their engagement, productivity and retention. However, not all onboarding experiences are created equal. Some fall short, leaving employees feeling disengaged, unprepared or undervalued.

To explore what constitutes a good onboarding experience, we have recently run a poll on LinkedIn. It attempts to highlight the key areas for improvement that can facilitate employees’ integration into the workplace and their ability to thrive in their new role.

Here’s what we found:

What to Anticipate During Your Onboarding Stage?

Your onboarding experience is your first step into your new workplace. It's an important period where you transition from being a job candidate to a full-fledged team member.

Therefore, what can you anticipate at the starting date of your onboarding stage?

The first step in your onboarding journey involves familiarising yourself with the company itself. You'll delve into the organisation's history, mission, values, and long-term goals. Understanding these aspects of the company provides you with the necessary context to appreciate how your role contributes to the broader vision.

You'll also meet your new colleagues during your onboarding, from the peers you'll collaborate with daily to the senior leaders who guides the ship. Building relationships at an early stage is a crucial aspect of the process. These connections not only help you settle in more comfortably but also foster a sense of belonging.

Effective onboarding involves more than just showing you where the coffee machine is and handing you an onboarding checklist. You can expect tailored training sessions that equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your specific role. Additionally, discussions about your career development path within the organisation are also vital. Setting goals and identifying areas for improvement early on ensures that you have a clear roadmap for personal and professional growth.

When onboarding new hires, the onboarding program should also provide insights into the company's culture, including expectations, work ethics, and social norms. Having an onboarding checklist as a hiring manager will allow for employee engagement it's a focus on innovation, collaboration, or client satisfaction is necessary to ensure that you're a good cultural fit. It also helps you adapt and thrive in the new environment.

In these four key aspects of the onboarding stage, you'll find the foundation upon which your new career will be built.

Three Indicators of a Positive Onboarding Experience

Bear in mind that onboarding should be like a map that helps you navigate a new workplace. It should allow you to find your way and empower you to thrive.

Observe these four key indicators that signal you're on the right onboarding path:

Clear Expectations

Feeling like you’re part of the team from day one is a powerful motivator. A positive onboarding experience should leave you excited about your new job, and genuinely connected to your colleagues and the company's mission. When you're engaged, you're more likely to be motivated – and your enthusiasm can be infectious, influencing those around you.

Productivity

Effective onboarding isn't just about learning the ropes; it's about being equipped to contribute meaningfully from the start. When your onboarding experience is positive, you'll quickly become a productive member of the team. The learning curve is manageable, and you're able to apply your skills and knowledge right away. 

Feedback Loop

A good onboarding program involves regular feedback and check-ins. It's a channel for open communication, ensuring that your questions, concerns and needs are addressed promptly. This feedback loop is your safety net, providing a platform to express your thoughts and receive the support you might require.

These are the building blocks of a positive onboarding experience that enable you to navigate your initial days smoothly and set the stage for a fruitful and satisfying career journey.

Three Warning Signs of a Bad Onboarding Experience

While the onboarding process should be a period of excitement and preparation, not all experiences live up to this ideal.

Here are three telltale signs that your onboarding experience might be heading in the wrong direction:

Lack of Structure

An effective onboarding program is one that operates with precision and structure. If your onboarding feels disorganised, it can lead to confusion and frustration. This means that your onboarding program may lack clear objectives. You might find yourself aimlessly navigating your new workplace, not sure where to begin or who to turn to for guidance. A lack of structure can undermine your confidence and hinder your ability to contribute effectively, setting a poor tone for your overall experience.

Inadequate Training

Comprehensive training is a fundamental aspect of a successful onboarding program. Employers must provide it to equip candidates with the right resources to flourish in their organisation. In a rushed onboarding setting where everything moves too quickly, you may find yourself with insufficient training. This can be a source of significant stress. Being inadequately trained can hinder your confidence and make it difficult for you to perform your job effectively. You may find yourself struggling to understand company processes, technologies or best practices, leading to job frustration and reduced chances of success in your new role.

Isolation

Onboarding aims to integrate you into the company culture and connect with colleagues. Feeling isolated in a new work environment can lead to disconnection and job dissatisfaction. Moreover, the absence of post-onboarding support can make you feel unprepared and abandoned as you face new challenges. Organisations should offer ongoing mentorship, resources and feedback opportunities for long-term success.

Recognising these signs early on can empower you to address any issues and advocate for improvements, ensuring that your transition into your new role is as smooth and positive as possible.

Creating a Positive Company Culture Through Onboarding

The impact of onboarding extends far beyond the individual employee – it also has a big impact on the company's culture. A well-structured onboarding program not only equips you with the tools and knowledge needed for your job position but also plays a vital role in shaping the overall workplace culture.

During the onboarding program, you'll gain a deep understanding of the company's values, mission and vision. This immersion aligns you with the organisation's core principles, helping you grasp not just what your new job entails but why it matters in the broader context.

An inclusive onboarding program can significantly contribute to a culture of diversity and inclusion. When you feel welcomed and valued from day one, regardless of your background, you're more likely to embrace and promote a culture of inclusivity. A workplace that celebrates differences and welcomes diverse perspectives tends to be more innovative, resilient and supportive.

Finally, a positive onboarding experience has a lasting impact on your tenure with the company. When you're given the right tools, training, and support in your early days, you're more likely to be engaged, productive, and satisfied in your role. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates even with remote workers, as employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to stay.

Conclusion

The Onboarding experience is a crucial phase for job candidates. A positive one can translate into your engagement, productivity and sense of belonging within the organisation. Additionally, it also sets the stage for a fulfilling career and contributes to a positive company culture. In contrast, a poor onboarding experience can lead to disengagement and dissatisfaction. Therefore, as a job candidate, it's always wise to recognise the significance of onboarding and advocate for a well-structured and thoughtful process that benefits both you and your prospective employer.

The bottom line is, your onboarding experience sets the tone for your future success – so make sure it's a positive one.

Are you nervous about venturing into the professional world?

At PERSOLKELLY, we are committed to providing each candidate with a seamless and well-structured onboarding experience. Your success is extremely important to us. Come and explore the opportunities available by applying for a position with us today.