When you are hiring new employees, the onboarding process has an undeniable impact on employee satisfaction and retention. The first few days, weeks, and months set the tone and affect how people form in their new jobs.

There’s no doubt that improving employee retention should be a priority for all companies. This process starts with the way you are handling the onboarding experience. Here are a few effective strategies to ensure that onboarding can be improved to boost employee retention in the long run:

Teach Daily Activities and Systems

New employees need to understand how to function in the systems and activities that are occurring in the workplace each day. Technical details need to be addressed as soon as possible, such as providing the person with an ID card, getting them access to the computer systems, and teaching them workplace lingo. Ultimately, the goal is to help them feel included as soon as possible so they feel like part of the team.

Define Expectations and Teach Strategies for Success

It’s hard for new employees to keep up with their responsibilities if they don’t know the expectations for this position. Just because someone has previous experience doesn’t mean they know how to function in your workplace. Be proactive about communicating expectations and needs so they understand how they are going to be held accountable on the team. Additionally, outline boundaries or guidelines around office rules, authority, or available resources.

Establish Company Culture

One of the fastest ways to help someone feel like they are part of the team is by introducing them to the company culture and their coworkers. This process builds a sense of community, so the new employee feels included in the activities that are happening around the office. It can be intimidating to step into a situation where everyone already knows each other, so look for ways to build relationships as soon as possible – helping the person know where they can turn when they need guidance.

Maximize Your Recruiting

A lot of money goes into recruiting and onboarding. Ensure you maximize this investment by giving new hires a positive and productive experience. A streamlined onboarding process sets the tone for employee satisfaction, directly impacting long-term retention.

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Written by Becki Andrus in partnership with Checkworks personal and business checks.