8 ways to elevate emotion in onboarding

Employee onboarding is one of the most critical moments that can significantly impact an individual’s journey within a company. Elevating emotions during this process is key to fostering a positive and productive work environment. We dug into our onboarding expertise to give you the top eight ways to enhance the emotional experience in a successful employee onboarding program.

1. immersion into the company culture

Welcoming new hires with a deep dive into the company’s culture fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s crucial that employees align with their values and direction of travel. According to a study by Glassdoor, organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82%. Integrating cultural elements into the onboarding program establishes a foundation for long-term commitment.

2. a well-defined roadmap and structure

Providing a clear roadmap and structure for the onboarding journey is crucial. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that structured onboarding programs with well-defined roadmaps for their users result in 50% higher productivity levels. A well-defined plan ensures that new employees understand their roles, responsibilities, and the path to success within the organisation.

3. effective training and development

Investing in comprehensive training and development programs is a game-changer. The Aberdeen Group found that companies that invest in a structured, highly thought out and emotionally driven onboarding process achieve 54% greater new hire productivity. Enabling user-centric design and continuous learning opportunities not only enhance skills but also contribute to increased job satisfaction and loyalty while keeping the learner at the heart of it all.

4. engaging resources

Supplying new hires with engaging resources, such as interactive modules and informative materials, boosts the learning experience massively. Creating content that resonates with the user as well as harnessing cutting edge technologies are the keys to success. Studies from Gallup suggest that engaged employees show 21% greater profitability for their organisations. Engaging resources help new employees grasp information more effectively and contribute to a positive emotional connection with the company. Long gone are the days of Powerpoints and click-through learning.

5. clear expectations and feedback

Setting clear expectations and providing timely feedback is crucial for employee satisfaction. The Harvard Business Review reports that 54% of employees are more engaged when they receive regular feedback and support to improve. Clearly defined goals and constructive feedback create a positive work environment and enhance the emotional well-being of new hires. Enabling employees to grow fosters a sense of confidence and purpose in their role.

6. support and guidance

Offering support and guidance during the onboarding process is essential for long-term success. According to a survey by BambooHR, over 20% of new employees are more likely to stay with a company that assigns them a mentor. Providing a support system helps new hires navigate challenges, fostering a sense of security and confidence.

7. socialising and integration

Encouraging social interactions and integration activities help new hires build relationships within the organisation. We want employees to enjoy being at work and ensure it has a positive impact on their lives as well sharing the company values with their peers. A study by Cornell University found that employees with friends at work are seven times more likely to be engaged. Incorporating social events and team-building activities during onboarding creates a positive workplace culture and facilitates meaningful connections.

8. continuous support and improvement

The onboarding process should not be a one-time event; it should be an ongoing journey. Organisations that focus on continuous support and improvement see long-term benefits. According to a Deloitte study, companies with a strong onboarding process that continues long into their career improve employee retention by 50%. Regularly updating and refining the onboarding program ensures it remains effective in meeting the evolving needs of both the company and its employees.

Elevating emotions in an employee onboarding program is a strategic investment that pays dividends in terms of employee satisfaction, retention, and overall productivity. By incorporating these eight proven strategies, organisations can create a welcoming and supportive onboarding experience that sets the stage for long-term success.

We work with our customers to create authentic onboarding programmes and content to be proud of. Get in touch with the experts at Mindboost, to find out how we can help you craft and deliver an authentic digital onboarding programme. Check out how we elevated Nestle Health Science’s digital learning here.