Retention Remains an Issue — and a Priority
Imagine starting a new job. You're excited, but you're also nervous. You do not know anyone yet, and you are not sure where to start.
Now imagine your workspace is not ready. No one introduces you to the team, and your manager is out on day one. How would that make you feel about your new job and company?
That is why the first day matters. A strong new employee onboarding process helps welcome new employees and build a supportive work environment. It also helps new hires feel ready to do their best.
Keeping workers was the No. 1 priority for both operations (51%) and HR (66%) in 2023, according to Gallagher research based on 4,030 U.S. organizations. Good retention lowers costs, lifts productivity, strengthens customer ties, and supports a stronger workplace culture.
More than half of the organizations surveyed had turnover of 15% or more in 2022. Nearly 1 in 5, or 18%, had turnover of 30% or more. The researchers say the pandemic sped up the trend, but yearly increases are still going on.
With retention high on the list, employers need to help new employees feel welcome and engaged from day one. Gallup research shows that many people leave because of engagement, culture, or work-life balance, not just pay and benefits.
Your welcome process should fit your culture and values. These onboarding tips can help:
- Make sure the workspace is ready before the first day.
- Introduce the new hire to coworkers right away.
- Make sure the manager is available.
- Share a clear new hire onboarding checklist.
- Explain the employee onboarding process in simple steps.
These onboarding best practices can help new employees get off to a good start. They can also make it easier to keep good people for the long term.
Q&A
Question: Why is the first day so important for a new employee?
Answer: The first day sets the tone. It shapes how a new employee feels about the company, the team, and the role. If the workspace is not ready, no one introduces them to coworkers, or the manager is out, they may feel unsupported or disconnected. A warm welcome helps create a good first impression and supports engagement from day one.
Question: How does onboarding connect to employee retention?
Answer: New employee onboarding helps people feel welcome, supported, and ready. That can build engagement and lower early turnover. Since retention is a top goal for operations and HR, a strong employee onboarding process is one simple way to support long-term stability.
Question: What does the data suggest about turnover challenges?
Answer: The Gallagher research in the article says more than half of surveyed organizations had turnover of 15% or more in 2022, and 18% had turnover of 30% or more. That shows turnover is still a major issue, so retention efforts remain important.
Question: Why should a company tailor its welcome process to its culture and values?
Answer: A tailored welcome process helps new employees learn their role, the culture, and how people work together. When onboarding reflects company values, people are more likely to feel included and engaged.
Question: Are pay and benefits the main reasons employees leave?
Answer: Not always. The article says Gallup found that three times as many people leave because of engagement, culture, or well-being as leave for pay and benefits. That shows how important the work environment is.
