“Of all the things that we do to help people, two that we are most passionate about are helping organizations with hiring people right then training and onboarding them right.”
Onboarding is crucial, yet so many organizations overlook its importance. Have you ever been thrown into a new job with more questions than answers? In my conversation with Katie, we talk about onboarding disasters that can derail a new employee’s confidence from day one.
It is an all-too-common scenario where someone is offered a job, but onboarding is nonexistent. Imagine walking in to start a new position and being told, “Good luck. You’ll figure it out as you go.” Not the best way to kick things off, right? A structured onboarding process isn’t just about filling out paperwork; it’s about setting someone up for long-term success.
A pitfall we’ve both seen is the dreaded binder. Too often, new hires are handed a binder full of policies with little context or engagement. Organizations that set employees up for success know that throwing rules at someone won’t make them understand the culture or values of your company. It’s critical to communicate the “why” behind your policies and help new team members embody your brand.
Katie also mentioned an often-overlooked issue: expecting existing employees to train new hires without recognizing their knowledge or extra effort. This can lead to tension and burnout. Instead, have meaningful ways to acknowledge and reward those who help onboard newcomers.
Finally, knowing when to let go is paramount. I’ve seen onboarding processes dragging on for months, undermining the new hire’s confidence and leading to early departures. Guide them, then give them the space to grow.
For more tips and actionable advice on effective onboarding, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Best Culture Solutions. After all, laying a solid foundation from the start can be the difference between retaining a stellar employee and facing high turnover.
Connect with Tim and his team:
Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/
LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc
Instagram: @best.culture.solutions
Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca
Notable Moments
01:37 Onboarding transcends paperwork; crucial for employee retention.
05:23 Binder alone isn’t effective; real-life experience needed.
08:01 Teach them then allow independence to build confidence and growth.
12:09 Poor onboarding can cause confusion and turnover.
14:03 Reach out and share onboarding experiences with Tim.
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