5 Ways to Craft a Stellar Onboarding Experience
Culture

5 Ways to Craft a Stellar Onboarding Experience

We’ve all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It’s especially true when it comes to new hires. Their initial experience with your company sets the tone for their entire employment journey.   The stakes are high when it comes to onboarding. A recent survey revealed that only […]

August 13th, 2024
*

Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It’s especially true when it comes to new hires. Their initial experience with your company sets the tone for their entire employment journey.

 

The stakes are high when it comes to onboarding. A recent survey revealed that only around half of new hires are happy with their onboarding experience. This underwhelming satisfaction has impacts on turnover rates, with approximately one-third of employees leaving new jobs within the first three months. It’s clear that a strong first impression is crucial for retaining top talent.

 

HR teams are under immense pressure to deliver a seamless onboarding experience while juggling a multitude of responsibilities. We understand the challenges you face. From managing paperwork to coordinating training, it can be overwhelming.

 

But here’s the thing: a positive onboarding experience is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about making new employees feel valued, supported, and excited about their role. When done right, it can significantly impact employee retention, productivity, and overall company culture.

 

So, how can you create a memorable first impression?

 

5 ways to make a strong first impression:

 

  • Streamline the process: Simplify paperwork, consolidate information, and use technology where appropriate to create a smooth onboarding journey.

 

  • Invest in a People Experience Team: A dedicated people experience team can transform your onboarding process. By focusing on employee needs and preferences, they can create highly personalised onboarding experiences. This team can also proactively address potential issues, ensuring a smoother transition for new hires.

 

  • Human touch matters: Ensure new hires feel welcomed and supported from day one by assigning them a buddy or mentor. These relationships provide essential support, guidance, and a sense of belonging during the onboarding process.

 

  • Engage and excite: Make onboarding interactive and engaging. Share company culture, values, and goals from the outset and use a mix of materials, such as welcome videos, interactive quizzes, and hands-on activities, to keep new hires engaged and excited.

 

  • Focus on the future: Clearly communicate career growth opportunities and development plans. Regular check-ins with new hires can help identify their goals and aspirations.

 

 

By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive employee onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success.

 


 

Looking to hire?

Finding and onboarding top talent is crucial for your company’s growth. At Yellow Bricks, we specialise in building high-performing teams. Our expertise in talent acquisition and onboarding ensures a seamless transition for new hires.

 

Let’s work together to elevate your onboarding process and achieve your business goals. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs.

 


 

Connect with us

 

Want the latest people news? Join our newsletter.

 

Need to hire? Book a call with one of our hiring experts.

 

Looking to bring on temps? Here’s how we can help. // Book a temp with us today.

 


 

To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
Related posts
Why Private Equity Firms Underestimate Post-Acquisition Leadership Risk

Why Private Equity Firms Underestimate Post-Acquisition Leadership Risk

The Big Risk That Quietly Undermines Value After a Private Equity Deal Post-acquisition leadership challenges are among the most significant risks in PE. While financial alignment and retention plans are carefully structured, the psychological shift leaders experience after a deal often goes unaddressed. This is where momentum quietly stalls. I have seen this pattern across […]
The New Architecture of Authority: Why Mission-Led Leadership Is the Only Hedge Against Volatility

The New Architecture of Authority: Why Mission-Led Leadership Is the Only Hedge Against Volatility

 In a 2026 market defined by rapid shifts and “Shadow Liabilities,” hiring isn’t just an HR function anymore; it’s the CEO’s most important strategic lever. The UK business landscape has moved past the era of the “Steady State.” Between shifting regulatory frameworks in Financial Services and the relentless pace of high-growth tech, the traditional “Manager” […]
AI-generated fake job applications

AI-generated fake job applications

Tackling Fake Applications: Streamlining Your Recruitment Process for Genuine Candidates In today’s fast-paced hiring landscape, the rise of AI-generated fake job applications poses a significant hurdle for recruiters and hiring managers. These fraudulent submissions not only clutter your recruitment process but also drain valuable time and resources that could be directed toward finding genuine candidates. […]
Women in Leadership – Heavy is the crown

Women in Leadership – Heavy is the crown

Should we expect women in leadership roles to accept that they must represent the business and beyond at diversity and inclusion events as well as fit in their day job and personal life?   I spoke with a female board-level director about a career opportunity recently, she talked me through her incredible story, I was […]
Is recruitment automation alienating top talent from you?

Is recruitment automation alienating top talent from you?

The rise of recruitment automation has undeniably streamlined many aspects of the hiring process. However, as technology continues to advance, a growing concern is emerging: the potential loss of human connection. Today’s top talent is increasingly feeling disconnected and undervalued as they navigate an increasingly automated job search. This disconnect is a significant risk to […]
London receives record investments into Impact Tech

London receives record investments into Impact Tech

London has become one of the fastest-growing hubs for impact tech with start-ups. Up to the end of 2020, the UK had secured more investment in the past 5 years than any other country in the world, in 2020 an astonishing £950m was raised.
How the Metaverse will change the Future of Work

How the Metaverse will change the Future of Work

Photo: Microsoft   Bill Gates predicts that within two or three years, virtual meetings will be taking place within the Metaverse. It is clear that changes to how we play, socialise, and work are coming sooner than we think 🎮 💬 💼 With the next decade heavily focused on its development, how will the Metaverse […]
Are You Ready for the Employment Law Overhaul?

Are You Ready for the Employment Law Overhaul?

As the Labour Party gears up to overhaul workers’ rights, UK businesses face a transformative shift in employment law. These forthcoming changes are set to redefine how companies manage their workforce and introduce new legal risks, particularly concerning employment tribunals. Here is a look at the anticipated reforms and how businesses can prepare for the […]
Beyond the ‘Stop-Gap’: The Professionalisation of Agile Leadership

Beyond the ‘Stop-Gap’: The Professionalisation of Agile Leadership

The perception of the “temp” has undergone a radical shift. In the high-stakes environment of 2026, the word “temporary” no longer describes a clerical fill-in; it describes an Agile Leader deployed for a specific, high-impact mission. At Yellow Bricks, we have spent 20+ years watching this evolution. Today, the most successful firms aren’t “hiring temps” […]
The secret to leadership in 2024? The coach

The secret to leadership in 2024? The coach

The world of leadership is changing fast, and 2024 looks like it’s not going to stop. It’s seemingly not enough for leaders to rely solely on traditional management and leadership skills in a multigenerational, distributed, and increasingly complex workspace. Leaders must adapt, be creative, and show empathy in a world of constant change.   But […]

People. Culture. Growth.