Many companies drastically underestimate the importance of Onboarding when they hire new employees. In fact, according to a recent blog on Strayboots.com, 22% of companies have no formal onboarding program at all, while 49% only have a partially successful process.
Once you have hired your employees, you need make them feel welcome. They need to be acclimated to your company culture and equipped with the knowledge and skills to become effective team members. If not given the right tools, new employees are less productive, stressed, feel disconnected from the rest of the team, and are likely to look for work elsewhere. This is what unsuccessful Onboarding looks like.
With a successful Onboarding program, the process benefits new hires, past hires, and company leaders alike. Research shows that 69% of employees will be more likely to remain with your company if your onboarding program is successful.
The Onboarding process will differ among companies, in terms of length and structure. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Assess what will work for your company and implement a plan of action.
Successful Companies Onboarding Programs…
- At Disney, Onboarding begins with Traditions, Disney’s version of an orientation and induction into their culture. Although the duration has decreased over the years, Disney still immerses their ‘cast members’ in their new role that includes history, culture, costume and grooming before going ‘on-stage’, and of course, their job’s overall purpose – not just their specific job role.
- Zappos Onboarding is a four-week program. They place a strong emphasis on creating bonds and communicating the company culture. All employees experience the same program, regardless of job title. The aim is to grow company culture, build a strong team, and create strong internal bonds.
- New recruits at Netflix receive laptops and offices are setup before they arrive. From the beginning, they are involved in large projects, which makes them feel like they are immediately contributing to the company.
Benefits of Successful Onboarding…
- Onboarding reduces employee turnover.
- Onboarding allows new employees to be productive quickly.
- Onboarding helps get them up to speed with seasoned hires.
- Onboarding teaches new hires about their roles in the company.
- Onboarding engages employees in the company culture.
- Onboarding reduces new employee anxiety.
- Onboarding increases employee engagement.
- Onboarding helps connect the employee to the customer.
- Onboarding programs save thousands of dollars.
Without successful Onboarding procedures, companies may spend unnecessary amounts of money on employee turnover and loss of productivity.
Design your Onboarding program with employees in mind. Make them feel valued. Provide them with the tools, knowledge, and skills to succeed. If you do that, you’ll be well on your way to creating a competent workforce: one that is happy, will add real value, and in the end, will contribute to the success of your company.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whether it was for Disney, ClubCorp, The Dallas Cowboys, The Venetian/Palazzo, or any one of his partners or clients, Barry Jacobson has always been at the forefront of customer service and guest experience. Throughout his extensive career with consumer-based, customer service organizations, Barry’s goal has always been to ensure others benefit from his expertise. His goal is to assist businesses looking to connect with their clients and customers. Barry is now a Guest Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Customer Service Consultant.
