When was the last time you looked at your onboarding process through fresh eyes? For many companies, onboarding has become a box-checking exercise that can leave new hires feeling lost or undervalued from day one. Poor onboarding is costly—not just financially, but in terms of morale, productivity, and retention. In fact, studies show that 52% of employees who feel poorly onboarded report inadequate training, and a staggering 80% of those individuals plan to leave their positions.
At Lift HCM, we understand the challenges of building an onboarding process that not only covers the basics but also inspires employees to hit the ground running. In this article, we'll highlight five signs that your onboarding might be overdue for an upgrade and share actionable insights to transform it into a seamless, engaging experience that retains top talent.
1. Outdated Pre-Employment Paperwork
The Issue: Requiring new hires to fill out forms in person—especially if it involves navigating traffic or public transit—can start their first day on a sour note.
Solution: A digital onboarding solution with remote access capabilities allows new employees to complete essential paperwork from the comfort of their homes. By streamlining this initial step, companies can create a smoother transition for new hires and reduce logistical headaches. Plus, a digital approach minimizes paperwork errors and improves data security—benefits that both HR and employees appreciate.
2. Employees Are Zoning Out During Training
The Issue: Engagement during training is key to effective onboarding, yet many programs rely on outdated methods. Relying solely on lengthy manuals or monotonous videos risks losing your audience before they’ve even started their roles.
Solution: Break up digital training into shorter, interactive modules. Use a mix of text, video, and interactive elements like quizzes and simulations to keep employees engaged. Studies show that interactive content not only improves retention but also helps employees feel more confident applying their training. Consider also gathering feedback after training sessions to make adjustments that best fit different learning styles and preferences.
3. Data Isn't Guiding Your Onboarding Decisions
The Issue: If you’re not collecting data on the onboarding process, you’re missing a valuable opportunity to improve it. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely meets the needs of every new hire, yet without data, it’s hard to know where to make improvements.
Solution: Modern onboarding platforms provide real-time insights into onboarding progress and performance. Metrics like completion rates, time spent on each module, and quiz scores can reveal areas where new hires struggle or excel. This data helps managers provide tailored support and identify trends that can inform updates to the onboarding process, ensuring it aligns with both company goals and employee needs.
4. Constant Compliance Headaches
The Issue: Compliance is a critical component of onboarding, but keeping up with ever-changing regulations is a tall order. If your team is frequently caught off guard by compliance issues, it’s a sign that the onboarding system isn’t as robust as it could be.
Solution: Look for onboarding software that includes compliance tracking and automated alerts. With these features, you can proactively address compliance requirements, avoiding last-minute scrambles that disrupt the onboarding experience and leave both HR and new hires frustrated. A streamlined approach to compliance helps new hires feel confident in your company’s commitment to a legally compliant workplace.
5. A Disconnect Between Company Culture and Reality
The Issue: There’s nothing worse than spending the first day excited about a role, only to realize the company’s culture doesn’t align with the values promoted during the interview process. Misalignment between stated and actual culture creates disillusionment and can lead to high turnover.
Solution: Authentic onboarding starts with clear communication. Rather than a generic presentation, focus on activities and discussions that introduce new hires to your company’s values in a meaningful way. Align onboarding content with real-life examples, perhaps involving current employees in a Q&A session, to help new hires understand the day-to-day environment they’ll be joining. Integrated onboarding software that connects with your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can ensure a seamless transition from hiring to onboarding, reinforcing cultural alignment from the start.
Ready to Elevate Your Onboarding?
If these issues sound familiar, it’s time to rethink your onboarding process. At Lift HCM, we’ve been helping businesses optimize onboarding for lasting employee satisfaction and retention. A revamped onboarding experience can be the key to reducing attrition and building a loyal, productive workforce. Ready to make the shift? Start exploring solutions that put your employees first and keep your organization moving forward.
Follow our blog to read more about the ins and outs of effective employee onboarding and learn about the benefits it has brought to one industry in recent years.
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