A first day at work is a mix of nerves, hope, and (let’s be honest) confusion. That’s why onboarding matters so much and yet, too many companies treat it like paperwork and a desk assignment. Done right, onboarding sets the tone for employee success, belonging, and retention.

What Onboarding Should Be
Great onboarding is more than just explaining policies or assigning a laptop. It should:

• Welcome the employee genuinely
• Teach them how things really work
• Connect them to their team and mission
• Set clear goals and expectations

According to Gallup, only 12% of employees strongly agree their company does a great job onboarding. That’s a missed opportunity.

What Great Companies Do Differently

• Preboarding: Start communication before day one. Send a welcome email, team intro, or even a swag box.
• First-week structure: Map out what they’ll do, who they’ll meet, and how they’ll learn. Avoid “sit and sink.”
• Connection points: Assign a buddy or mentor. Schedule check-ins. Encourage social interaction.
• Clarity: Be clear about performance goals, how success is measured, and how feedback will work.

Why It Pays Off
A solid onboarding experience improves retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%, according to Glassdoor. It also shapes first impressions: “Does this company value me, or am I just a cog?”

Onboarding isn’t a checklist. It’s your first and best chance to show new employees that they made the right choice.

Comment below: What’s one thing that helped you feel welcome at a new job or something that made you second guess the company?

Disclaimer:
This post reflects my personal views and experiences as an HR professional and does not represent the views of my employer. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or organizational advice.

Shared by Anaya Gottilla | Explore HR Blog