The First 90 Days: Why Your Onboarding Process Is the Key to Unlocking Long-Term Success
- Alex Wanstrath
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
The initial days and weeks of a new job are a critical period for both an employee and the company. This isn't just a time for paperwork and introductions; it's a foundational experience that can significantly impact an employee's engagement, performance, and loyalty. This process, known as onboarding, is far more than a simple orientation. It's a strategic approach to integrating new hires into the company culture, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, and setting them up for a successful and lasting tenure. In today's competitive job market, a robust onboarding program is not just a nice-to-have—it's a crucial investment in your most valuable asset: your people.
The High Stakes of Onboarding: A Look at the Numbers
The statistics surrounding onboarding paint a stark picture of its importance. A strong onboarding process can lead to significant positive outcomes. Research shows that employees who experience a great onboarding process are 69% more likely to stay with a company for at least three years (Patel & Mohanty, 2023). Furthermore, a well-structured onboarding program can boost new hire productivity by 60% and improve retention by 52% (Peck, 2024).
Conversely, the consequences of poor onboarding are equally striking. As many as one in three new hires will leave a job within the first 90 days, making a strong first impression absolutely critical (Enboarder, 2024). A negative onboarding experience can also make new employees twice as likely to look for other opportunities (Digitt, 2018). The financial toll of this turnover is substantial as well. The Work Institute (2024) suggests a reasonable method to calculate the cost of turnover is to multiply a departing employee's salary by 33.3%, meaning the loss of an employee earning $60,000 a year could cost the company around $20,000. These figures underscore a clear message: neglecting onboarding is a costly mistake.
The Modern Job Market: Why Onboarding Matters More Than Ever
The current job market, characterized by shifting employee expectations and a greater emphasis on company culture, has amplified the importance of a positive onboarding experience. In 2023, only 23% of employees reported feeling engaged at work (Gallup, 2023). This highlights a significant opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves. A thoughtful onboarding process is a company's first and best chance to demonstrate its commitment to its employees and foster that crucial engagement from day one.
In a market where skilled professionals have numerous options, a clunky or impersonal onboarding experience can be a major red flag. It can signal a disorganized and unsupportive work environment, prompting new hires to reconsider their decision. On the other hand, a seamless and engaging onboarding journey can solidify their choice to join your company, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement for the future.
Best Practices for a World-Class Onboarding Program
An effective onboarding program is a marathon, not a sprint. It should be a structured and strategic process that extends beyond the first day. Here are some best practices to consider:
Start Before Day One (Pre-boarding): The onboarding journey should begin the moment a candidate accepts a job offer. Send a welcome packet, complete necessary paperwork online, and provide a schedule for their first week. This "pre-boarding" phase helps to build excitement and reduce first-day jitters.
Make the First Day Memorable: The first day should be more than just filling out forms. Introduce the new hire to the team, provide a tour of the office (or a virtual one for remote employees), and have their workstation and necessary tools ready. A small gesture like a team lunch can go a long way in making them feel welcome.
Structure the First Week and Beyond: Create a clear plan for the first week and even the first 90 days. This plan should include a mix of training sessions, meetings with key team members, and initial projects. This structure provides clarity and helps new hires understand their role and how it contributes to the company's goals.
Assign a Buddy or Mentor: Pairing a new hire with a more experienced employee can be incredibly beneficial. This "buddy" can answer informal questions, provide guidance on company culture, and help the new hire build social connections within the organization.
Focus on Culture and Connection: Onboarding is a prime opportunity to immerse new employees in your company culture. Share your company's mission, vision, and values. Create opportunities for them to connect with colleagues on a personal level. A strong sense of belonging is a powerful driver of engagement and retention.
Provide Clear Expectations and Regular Feedback: Ensure that new hires have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and performance expectations. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with their manager are crucial for addressing any questions or concerns and for tracking their progress.
Invest in Technology: Onboarding software can streamline the process, automate administrative tasks, and provide a consistent experience for all new hires. This allows HR and managers to focus on the more human aspects of onboarding.
Gather Feedback and Iterate: Regularly seek feedback from new hires about their onboarding experience. This information is invaluable for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring your program remains effective.
The Lasting Impact of a Positive Start
The importance of onboarding cannot be overstated. It is a critical investment that yields significant returns in the form of higher retention rates, increased productivity, and a stronger company culture. By creating a welcoming, supportive, and structured onboarding experience, you are not just setting up your new hires for success; you are laying the foundation for a more engaged, committed, and high-performing workforce. In the end, the effort you put into those first 90 days will pay dividends for years to come.
NORTHSTAR Onboarding System
Implementing a world-class onboarding program may seem daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. The NORTHSTAR Onboarding System offers a comprehensive framework designed to guide your new hires from their first day to full productivity. This system ensures every employee receives a consistent, engaging, and effective onboarding experience that aligns with your company's goals. To maximize the impact of this system, partnering with an expert in learning and development is key. This is where Catalyst Strategic Learning Group comes in. As your dedicated learning partner, we work with you to customize and implement the NORTHSTAR system, developing tailored content, facilitating training, and ensuring your onboarding process not only meets but exceeds the best practices. We empower you to turn new hires into confident and engaged members of your team.
Ready to transform your onboarding process and unlock the full potential of your new hires? Visit our website today to learn more about the NORTHSTAR Onboarding System and how Catalyst Strategic Learning Group can help you create an onboarding experience that drives long-term success.
References
Digitt. (2018). The True Cost of a Bad Hire.
Enboarder. (2024). Onboarding statistics 2024: Key trends and insights. Retrieved from https://enboarder.com/blog/employee-engagement-onboarding-stats/
Gallup. (2023). State of the global workplace report.
Patel, P., & Mohanty, R. (2023). Trends in onboarding improve the employee retention: An in-depth literature review. Journal of Applied Management- Jidnyasa, 15(1), 39–50.
Peck, D. (2024). Employee onboarding statistics: Top trends & insights (2024). DevlinPeck.com.
Work Institute. (2024). 2024 Retention report.
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