Building the Foundation for Success: How Strong Onboarding Boosts Retention by 82%

When Anushka joined her dream company, everything seemed perfect. The job, the team, and the mission resonated with her. However, from day one, things didn’t go as expected. There was no structured introduction, no guidance on her responsibilities, and no clear direction. Her enthusiasm quickly waned, and by the end of the month, Sarah was already searching for other jobs. Unfortunately, Anushka's experience is common: new hires often decide within the first month whether they’ll stay long-term. But there’s good news for employers: a strong onboarding program could boost new hire retention rates by a staggering 82%​

Organizations increasingly realize that onboarding is more than just showing new hires where the coffee machine is. With the right approach, onboarding can become a strategic tool to drive engagement, productivity, and employee loyalty from day one. Here’s how a strong onboarding program works and why it’s worth investing in.

Why Onboarding Matters: The 82% Retention Boost

A structured and engaging onboarding process can significantly impact a new hire’s decision to stay. Research shows that organizations with a solid onboarding program retain new employees 82% more effectively than those without​. For companies experiencing high turnover, especially within the first six months of employment, this statistic is a game-changer.

What makes a good onboarding program? At its core, effective onboarding provides clear guidance, regular support, and fosters a sense of belonging. Employees who feel welcomed, informed, and empowered are far more likely to commit to their roles and excel in them.

Key Elements of an Effective Onboarding Program

1. Preparation and Preboarding: Best-in-class companies begin onboarding even before a new employee’s first day, a process known as “preboarding.” This might include sending welcome messages, preparing the workstation, sharing company values, or assigning a buddy. Research from Talmundo suggests that organizations with robust preboarding programs see a notable reduction in early resignations​

   
   

2. Goal Setting and Clear Expectations: Surprisingly, 60% of businesses fail to set clear goals or milestones for new hires. Lacking direction, employees often feel lost and undervalued, leading to disengagement. Establishing measurable objectives from day one gives employees a roadmap for success and helps them understand their contribution to the organization’s mission​

   
   

3. Supportive Resources and Training: Good onboarding involves more than paperwork. Providing the resources, training, and mentorship needed to navigate a new environment reduces anxiety and fosters confidence. In fact, 49% of organizations report that employees who undergo structured onboarding are more engaged and productive​

   
   

4. Building Relationships: Employees who feel isolated are more likely to leave. A strong onboarding program helps new hires connect with their teams and develop a network of support within the company. Studies show that 72% of employees view one-on-one time with their managers as essential to effective onboarding, helping them feel valued and included.

The Tangible Benefits of Effective Onboarding

The benefits of strong onboarding extend beyond just retention. Research suggests that effective onboarding boosts engagement, accelerates productivity, and strengthens the company’s culture overall. Here’s how:

• Increased Productivity: New hires who experience effective onboarding are 70% more productive. Onboarding sets the tone for a proactive, motivated workforce, reducing the time it takes for employees to reach full productivity​

  
  

• Cost Savings: The financial impact of poor onboarding can be substantial. Organizations spend an average of $1,800 per employee on onboarding, but this is a worthwhile investment compared to the high costs of turnover and retraining​

  
  

• Improved Job Satisfaction: Employees who undergo structured onboarding are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. This satisfaction contributes to a positive company culture where people feel they can thrive and grow​

  
  

Practical Tips for Building a Strong Onboarding Program

If you’re considering enhancing your onboarding program, here are some effective practices to consider:

1. Start Early with Preboarding: Begin engaging new hires before their start date. Send a welcome kit, introduce them to team members, and provide essential information. This process helps employees feel connected and excited about joining.

   
   

2. Define Clear Goals and Milestones: Create a 30-60-90-day plan with specific objectives. Regular check-ins with managers can help track progress and address any concerns early.

   
   

3. Automate the Basics: Use technology to streamline repetitive tasks like filling out forms or completing mandatory training. Automation frees up time for more meaningful onboarding experiences, such as relationship-building and skill development​.

   
   

4. Encourage Team Integration: Consider assigning mentors or buddies to new hires. Having a go-to person can ease new hires' transition and foster a sense of belonging from the start.

   
   

5. Gather Feedback and Continuously Improve: Solicit feedback from new hires on their onboarding experience and use it to make iterative improvements. Employee needs change, and staying attuned to their experiences can ensure that your onboarding program remains effective and relevant.

   
   

In India, several companies have set the standard for employee onboarding through innovative, structured, and supportive programs that help new hires transition smoothly and feel welcomed. Some leading examples include:

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Known for its comprehensive, structured onboarding program, TCS prioritizes both cultural integration and skill-building. Their onboarding includes extensive training, mentorship, and digital tools to help new hires navigate their roles and the company’s extensive resources. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and accelerates productivity from day one.

Infosys: Infosys has crafted an onboarding experience that combines virtual training, hands-on learning, and mentorship. It also places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering flexible work options, support for career development, and a variety of employee well-being programs. Infosys’s onboarding approach enhances employee engagement and retention through its focus on creating a healthy, growth-oriented work environment.

Accenture: Accenture integrates new hires through its "Learning Board," which uses digital onboarding modules covering company culture, ethics, and professional skills. This helps employees align quickly with the company's expectations and ethos. Accenture’s use of digital platforms for onboarding is a model for companies aiming to improve efficiency and engagement through technology.

Godrej Group: Through initiatives like its "Live Out Ur Dream" (LOUD) program, Godrej encourages employees to share their personal goals and provides support to achieve them. This unique initiative is part of Godrej's onboarding culture that emphasizes employee motivation, connection, and alignment with personal aspirations.

Google India: Google has a structured onboarding that includes team-building activities, mentorship, and access to a range of on-site amenities that support work-life balance. Google’s onboarding process in India is geared toward fostering creativity and collaboration, making employees feel part of a dynamic, supportive environment.

These companies demonstrate that an effective onboarding process isn’t just about technical training—it involves welcoming employees into a supportive culture, helping them form professional connections, and setting them up with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Such practices are a major reason why these organizations have strong reputations for high employee satisfaction and retention in India’s competitive job market.

Looking to create an impactful onboarding experience like the best in the industry? Myjobfactory can help you stand out! Our AI-powered, programmatic employer branding platform makes it easier than ever to engage, inspire, and retain top talent from day one. Transform your onboarding into a seamless, customized experience that not only welcomes new hires but also aligns them with your company’s mission and values.

Ready to boost retention and build your brand? Discover how Myjobfactory can elevate your onboarding strategy today!