Onboarding programs were created to reduce new employee turnover. However, there are several reasons many companies find that their onboarding programs are not effective.
In fact, a recent survey by BambooHR, a software company, revealed that 31% of people have quit a job within the first six months. This does not speak well of employers’ onboarding efforts. BambooHR surveyed 1,005 U.S. employees over the age of 24 to find out what has made them quit jobs in the past and what could be done to improve employers’ onboarding programs.
So what advice did survey respondents have for improving onboarding programs?
Here are the four things employees said they want most in the first week on the job:
- On-the-job training
- Review of company policies
- A tour of the company and to have their equipment set up and ready to go, and
- Being assigned a buddy or a mentor.
Respondents also indicated who they want showing them the ropes:
- 33% said they want their own managers to do it
- 28% said someone from HR
- 27% said the department they’re joining
- 23% said a dedicated trainer
- 22% said a colleague, and
- 19% said an assigned mentor.
What would help new employees stay longer:
- More attention
- More recognition
- Clearer guidelines
- More effective training
- Friendlier environment
Additionally, onboarding programs should extend past the employees’ first week. Many HR professionals surveyed believe that their onboarding programs need to be updated. For assistance in creating or adjusting your onboarding program to increase employee retention, contact Kellie Boysen with Alternative HR today at 717-855-5589.