Nothing says “Welcome to the company, we’re so happy to have you join us” like a good onboarding process.

Onboarding (sometimes called induction) is a structured process that provides a new employee with the tools and information they need in their new position. It also involves adding insight so they can quickly become an effective team member, while at the same time integrating them with the company and its culture.

It helps your new team member hit the ground running, gets the employment relationship off to a healthy start and increases the chances that they’ll want to stick with you.

Onboarding takes time and effort, but like all good investments, the rewards are worth it.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons you should have a thorough onboarding process for all new employees.

GETS NEW EMPLOYEES UP TO SPEED FASTER

Few people have all the skills and knowledge they need to do an amazing job on the first day they show up for work. There’s a lot to learn, from simple things like getting acquainted with the building and the company IT system. To the more complex such as understanding the demands and intricacies of the job itself.

Effective onboarding helps new employees become productive members of the team in the shortest time possible. For your new employees it helps them to feel like they are part of an inclusive, productive team, and makes them feel positive about taking the job.

HIGHER EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION

First impressions count. New employees want to feel valued and supported, and taking the time to ensure they get off to a great start clearly shows them they matter.

It gives employers and managers the opportunity to establish rapport with each new employee, and allows a relationship based on understanding and trust from the start, resulting in better outcomes for both.

Again, it’s about creating a positive impression. Chances are, your new employees will know about the company from the outside, but the first days on the job are their first exposure to how it works and feels on the inside. A smooth process can help new employees establish themselves as part of the business, while showing them how their role contributes to the company’s wider goals.

BETTER STAFF RETENTION

Research has proven that the first days and months of a new worker’s experience are vital to employee retention.

Keeping staff turnover low saves both time and money. Frequently hiring new people is expensive and time-consuming, so there’s good reason to view onboarding as the start of a process to work with your employee to keep them happy and motivated, and make it less likely that they will look elsewhere.

SUPPORTS GOOD HIRING DECISIONS AND QUICK RECOVERY FROM POOR ONES

A solid onboarding process can help employers and new workers decide if the person or the job matches their expectations. It’s in everyone’s best interest for this to happen quickly, so things can be put to right if they are not.

When the person is right for the position, effective onboarding provides a positive introduction to the business. On the rare occasions things go wrong, a good onboarding process will help you identify those that may not be a good fit for your business.

BETTER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Research shows that positive employee experiences lead to better customer experience, which improves business profitability.

If the process also inspires and motivates new team members, giving them a sense that the company is place where they want (not just need) to work, they will want to see it succeed and to provide the best possible service to your customers.

Having a smoothly operating onboarding system is a business must, not only for your new staff member but also for your business efficiency and bottom line.