Onboarding that (doesn’t) work
Embarking on the rollercoaster ride of onboarding can be a bit like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions – chaotic, frustrating, and nobody really knows what’s happening. Let’s decode the impacts of a not-so-stellar onboarding experience and unveil the keys to triumph over the turmoil.
Engagement Decline:
Imagine starting a new job only to be greeted by a stack of paperwork taller than your career ambitions. That’s the eclipse of engagement, where enthusiasm fades fast.
Focus on creating a great experience. Something that is meaningful, interactive, and gives time to ‘get their feet under the desk’. Plan the onboarding in advance and focus on the things that matter to your organisation. Everything else can wait.
Increased Turnover:
A rocky onboarding road often leads employees to scout for smoother paths elsewhere. Say goodbye to talent retention and hello to the high turnover.
Make sure that your new shining star feels ready, and has everything they need. Check in with them regularly and really listen to the things they need for success.
Productivity Pandemonium:
An employee without clear onboarding is like a chef without recipes – lots of ingredients, but no idea what to cook. Chaos ensues, and productivity takes a nosedive.
Planning, planning and planning is the key to success here! Don’t just throw them in the deep end! Make sure they know what’s needed and what’s available for them to achieve.
Culture Conundrum:
Picture joining a company and feeling like an extra in a movie with no script. A poor onboarding experience can leave employees puzzled about the workplace culture, mistaking it for a foreign film with no subtitles.
This is a tricky problem - make sure that those that are supporting your onboarding are setting the right tone, and that your team have clear understanding of the culture, values, and behaviours in your team. Clear expectations for behaviours and values ensure a harmonious team - and keep everyone making decisions towards the same end goal.
Knowledge Black Hole:
Ever played a game without knowing the rules? That’s what navigating a job feels like with knowledge gaps. Spoiler alert: it’s not a winning strategy.
'“i’ll just leave you to have a look around and let me know if you need anything” - This should sound alarm bells immediately. Not to be confused with having some space to think and digest, lack of direction and understanding is a killer.
Help your newstarter with the knowledge they need, and where to find it. Don’t leave them in the dark without assurance of how to find the light switch.
Missed Talent Spotting:
Think about the opportunity that new talent provides your organisation. Not only those that are coming in, but those that are helping them join your comunity.
This is a crucial point of opportunity to identify rising stars, and gaps for improvement in your productivity and leadership abilities. Don’t miss it!
Employer Brand damage:
Disgruntled employees don’t just leave quietly; they leave SEEK & Glassdoor reviews louder than a Taylor Swift concert. A poor onboarding experience can lead to a serious employer brand identity crisis.
Of all the processes and opportunities that business provides, onboarding has a starring role in the success of your people strategy. Don’t let it be a tragedy.
What you should do
Planning, planning, planning - make sure you have a plan for the best onboarding experience possible
Culture, values and behaviours - think about the way that your business does things, help your newbie to grasp how you’d like them to fit into those beliefs.
Listen, learn, act - Open the floor to your newbie to share with them what they need for success, and then remove the barriers to those things
Check in and build relationship - help them to feel comfortable and supported. Psychological safety in onboarding is paramount to retention and success
Oversee and improve - look for things that you love, look for things that you want to change, see what the pitfalls are to immediate success and improved speed to competency. Onboarding evolves with the growth of your business, it’s never a ‘set and forget’.
Drop us a line to chat more about making your onboarding extraordinary
About Nick Gearen
Casual and approachable, Nick is your go-to for all things HR with a twist of personality. He’s all about making work a little more enjoyable while driving results.
Nick’s HR journey has been quite the ride, even landing him the HRD rising stars award in 2022 for his innovative HR strategies
MBA Qualified, he’s all about empowering individuals and teams to excel.
Nick understands that HR can be a bit of a whirlwind, so he’s here to create an environment where everyone thrives. Through strategic moves, a culture of ongoing learning, and optimising HR processes he helps businesses adapt, grow and reach their goals.