The 6 pillars for effective onboarding - Part 2

This week our hosts Mike Leather and Sam Musiyarira bring you part 2 of the 6 pillars for effective onboarding, a framework designed to set new hires up for success and maximise their early impact within the company. With?35% of companies admitting to having no formal onboarding process , it’s time to ensure you have a process in place that not only prepares new hires for their new role but also ensures they are fully productive and stay with the business long term.

This topic is split into two parts! Listen to Part 1 now:

In part 2, you’ll learn the next three 3 pillars that are essential to ensure you have an excellent onboarding process in place.

Listen to part 2 now:

Pillar 4: Make sure there is a smooth cultural integration

Creating a sense of belonging isn’t optional - it’s essential. When new hires join your team, helping them integrate into your company's culture can make all the difference. Here’s how to make it happen:

Quick start

Introduce new hires to company values and team dynamics from day one. A buddy system is a great way to facilitate this.

Team building

Activities like mentorship, team lunches, and inclusive practices make them feel part of the bigger picture.

The goal

A new hire who feels connected to the culture is more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive.

What can sales Leaders do to help?

Actively facilitate team-building activities, set a welcoming tone, and ensure new hires have clear points of contact for cultural and interpersonal support.

Pillar 5: Provide sufficient support with technology

Tech is critical in sales, but it can also be overwhelming. Make sure you make this transition into using new technology as smooth as possible for your new hire. Here's how:

Simplifying learning

Tools like CRM systems might be unfamiliar. Support them with clear explanations and approachable methods like videos and voice notes.

Tech champions

Pair your new hires with colleagues who excel in tech to provide hands-on guidance.

Why does this matter

When new hires understand how technology benefits them, they’re more confident and effective in their roles.

What can sales leaders do to help?

Provide clear documentation, training, and a designated tech mentor to ensure new hires understand the tools’ relevance and can confidently use them.

Pillar 6: Provide consistent and ongoing support

Onboarding doesn’t end after the first week. Keep the momentum going with consistent support:

Have regular check-ins:

Regularly ask your new hire “How’s it going?” These casual conversations build trust and create a safe space for new hires to share any concerns.

Avoid micromanagement

While it’s important to stay involved, avoid overstepping by constantly checking every detail. Instead, provide structured milestones and let them take ownership of their work.

Outcome

Employees who feel supported and empowered during onboarding are more likely to feel confident in their roles, stay engaged, and remain with a business long-term.

What can sales leaders do to help?

Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss progress, provide constructive feedback, and offer additional support where needed.

Top mistakes to avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but by avoiding these onboarding pitfalls will set your new hires up for success:

1. Overloading with too much information
2. Misaligned training
3. Skipping cultural integration
4. Rushing to sell

Sales interview tip of the week

Sam Musiyarira highlights the importance of closing your sales interview effectively. Skipping this crucial step could cost you the chance to land your dream job.

'The Recruitment Roundup' by BMS Performance is a weekly Podcast discussing hiring and sales strategy tips for sales professionals. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 pm on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube .

Connect with our podcast hosts:

Mike Leather and Sam Musiyarira