words Al Woods
Do employees have a positive work onboarding experience in the UK? The answer is no. According to Cezanne HR’s onboarding survey, which polled 1,000 U.K. workers, only 8% of employees said they had a positive work onboarding experience!
This is a worrying statistic, as it shows that most organisations are not doing a good job at onboarding their new employees. This can lead to high turnover rates that can cost a company between 100% – 300% of an employee’s salary, as well as lead to decreased productivity and disengagement from employees.
Onboarding is Stressful
Onboarding is supposed to be a time for new employees to learn about their roles and the company they are joining.
However, most employees (63%) find the experience to be stressful and uncomfortable. This is likely due to the fact that they are not given enough information about their roles and the company, and are expected to just ‘figure it out on their own.
Many organisations might focus too much on the technical aspects of the job, rather than the interpersonal aspects. This can make employees feel like they are not being fully welcomed into the organisation and valued as individuals.
Instead, organisations should focus on making the onboarding experience more human. This means providing new employees with plenty of opportunities to meet and get to know their colleagues, as well as giving them a clear understanding of the company’s culture and values.
New Employees Struggle in Communication
Many are not sure who to go to with questions and feel like they are bothering their colleagues when they ask for help.
From the beginning, managers and new employees should have clear communication. This can be done by setting up regular check-ins, as well as having an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns.
However, according to the survey, nearly half of employees said that they had not received enough information about their roles and responsibilities during onboarding. This lack of communication can lead to employees feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which can affect their performance.
Managers should continue to provide support and guidance to new employees even after the onboarding process is complete.
Limited Resources and Training
New employees need all the necessary tools and resources as soon as possible to be successful in their roles.
Without these, employees will struggle to perform their duties effectively and may become frustrated. In fact, over a fifth of employees said that they had not received enough training.
Some of the most common resources that employees need are job-specific training, access to company systems, and an understanding of the company’s policies and procedures.
Making the Onboarding Experience Positive
So, what can organisations do to make the onboarding experience more positive for employees?
1. Set up a mentorship program
Make sure new hires feel like they are part of the team from day one. Introduce them to their co-workers and help them feel welcomed. A great way to do this is to set up a mentorship program.
A mentor can help new employees acclimate to the organisation, learn about its culture and norms, and understand their role within the company. A mentor can provide support and guidance as new employees navigate their first few months on the job.
2. Encourage socialisation and networking
Interaction makes the onboarding process more enjoyable and less intimidating. Plan social events, like happy hours or team-building activities, and give new hires an opportunity to get to know their co-workers in a relaxed setting.
Provide opportunities for new employees to network with other professionals within the organisation. This can help them feel connected to the company and better understand its mission and values.
3. Facilitate learning
Providing them with plenty of development opportunities can signify to employees that your company is committed to their growth and development. Consider offering e-learning courses, webinars, or in-person training on topics related to the job or company culture.
Encourage new employees to shadow more experienced colleagues or take on special projects. This will give them a chance to learn new skills and gain more knowledge about the organisation.
4. Offer feedback
Make sure you are offering feedback to new employees regularly. This will help them understand what they are doing well and where they need to improve. It is important to give both constructive feedback in order to help employees grow and develop.
Throughout the onboarding process, check in with new employees to see how they are doing. This can be done through one-on-one meetings, surveys, or even just casual conversations. Asking for feedback will show employees that you are interested in their experience and want to help make it a positive one.
Conclusion
Making the onboarding experience positive can be beneficial for both employees and employers. Employees who have a positive onboarding experience are more likely to be engaged and productive in their roles, while employers can benefit from lower turnover rates and increased employee satisfaction.
