Onboarding Backfire: The Costly Consequences of Neglect
Have you ever wondered why new hires sometimes exit almost as quickly as they enter, despite the hefty investments in recruitment? The answer often lies in a crucial yet often underestimated aspect of the journey, which is onboarding.
Proper onboarding is not just about showing the newbies the coffee machine or elevator buttons. It is about creating a genuine sense of welcome, enabling them to bring their full potential to work, and aligning with the promises made during recruitment.
Onboarding is the unsung hero that transforms potential talent into thriving employees, often overshadowed by the glitz of recruitment. Think of it as the backstage crew that ensures a flawless performance on the front stage.?
So what are common situations that lead to onboarding backfire?
Situation: Disillusionment in a leadership position
Let’s delve into the experiences of an individual who faced the dual challenges of a less-than-welcoming onboarding and a persistent lack of support and respect from colleagues in her professional journey.
Example: Jessica’s story?
Meet Jessica, a dynamic and visionary young leader who, following a rigorous and exhaustive hiring process, secured her position within a prominent consultancy. However, her arrival on the first day in the office was a far cry from the anticipation of a thriving career. Instead of a warm welcome, she was greeted with a mere handshake and an empty workspace devoid of even a desk, setting the stage for an underwhelming beginning.
As days turned into weeks, Jessica's initial enthusiasm waned, replaced by a sense of disillusionment. Her abundant talents were left to wither in a corporate landscape that seemed indifferent to her potential. In internal meetings, she became a frequent target, her ideas often under fire and her authority undermined. Amid this disheartening journey, her interactions with her manager remained virtually non-existent. Colleagues displayed a lack of respect for her time, routinely arriving late or failing to show up altogether.?
In this demanding setting, Jessica, who was once an embodiment of inspiring leadership, found herself progressively restrained by the limitations of her job title—an unmistakable misalignment with her exceptional talents. After enduring five months of these trying circumstances, Jessica made the difficult decision to resign.
Situation: Dynamic startup environment with a lack of structure
In the following story, you will get to know the experiences of Mohamed who embarked on a journey within the dynamic landscape of a high-speed work environment. This story highlights the challenges posed by an unstructured onboarding process and other significant issues that influenced this employee’s career path decision.
Example: Mohamed’s story?
Mohamed, a software engineer whose technological skills were highly praised during the interview process at a high-speed startup, was eager to dive headfirst into his new role. Only, as he embarked on this exciting venture, he quickly realized that the rapid pace of the startup came at a cost.
In this dynamic environment, there was no clearly defined roadmap for him to follow. While he was surrounded by friendly faces, the absence of structured guidance left Mohamed feeling like a puzzle piece misplaced in the chaos, rather than a vital contributor to the team's success. The startup's atmosphere was a whirlwind of activity, with everyone seemingly in constant motion, making it challenging for him to keep up.
Furthermore, the ongoing flux of tasks and projects made it even more difficult for Mohamed to establish a stable foothold. He frequently found himself shifting from one project to another without a clear sense of prioritization, making it hard to create a meaningful impact.?
As Mohamed navigated through these challenges, he continually sought a sense of purpose and structure. He recognized that he possessed the skills to excel, but he needed the support and clarity to channel his abilities effectively.
Within a year, Mohamed decided to part ways with the startup. Despite his extensive technological knowledge and experience, the lack of guidance, structure, and the constant shuffle of tasks left him feeling unfulfilled and disconnected. He realized that in such a fast-paced and chaotic environment, his talents were not being harnessed effectively, ultimately leading to his resignation in pursuit of a more nurturing and fulfilling work experience.
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Situation: Facing a starkly contrasting onboarding experience
The onboarding process often reveals a striking disparity from newcomers' initial expectations, which were shaped by their positive experiences during the hiring phase. Regrettably, such disparities can result in recurring and potentially irreparable situations with significant consequences. These repercussions extend beyond a company's immediate financial costs and can tarnish its reputation in the job market.
Example: Sean’s story?
Finally, there is Sean, a charismatic sales manager who has a knack for building relationships. His charisma and energy were his selling points in the hiring process. The initial hurdle for Sean was the monotony of his onboarding process. Instead of the engaging and interactive experience he had anticipated, he found himself subjected to a series of dry PowerPoint presentations, bombarded with facts and figures but deprived of the human connection that makes him thrive.
Moreover, Sean noticed a distinct lack of personal interaction during his onboarding period. While the organization had recognized his ability to build meaningful connections with clients, he found it puzzling that they did not extend the same courtesy to him. His interactions with colleagues and other members of the leadership team were limited, leaving him feeling isolated and detached.
As time passed, Sean's initial enthusiasm rapidly diminished. The absence of an engaging onboarding process, coupled with the isolation he felt, led him to question his fit with the company. Within a matter of a few months, Sean made the challenging decision to search for a better and more meaningful fit. His departure was swift, driven by the realization that the company's onboarding approach and overall culture did not align with his expectations and values as a sales manager who thrived on building relationships.
Personal Reflection
When writing this article on the costly consequences of neglect in the onboarding process, I couldn't help but reflect on my own career journey and the importance of a well-structured and welcoming onboarding process.?
Jessica's story resonates so strongly with me because it highlights the immense gap between the promises made during the recruitment phase and the reality she faced on her first day at work. The lack of a warm welcome and the absence of basic support left her talents untapped and her enthusiasm drained. It made me think about the times when I felt excited to join a new team, only to be met with indifference or a lack of guidance. It is a frustrating and disheartening experience that can quickly erode one's motivation.
Mohamed's journey in the dynamic startup environment also struck a chord. His struggle with the absence of structure and the constant shifting of tasks reminds me of the many conversations I have had, and continue to have, with connections working in the fascinating and high-paced startup world. Especially those who do not have prior experience in such an environment and are used to corporate roles, can feel quite lost. I recall one of my connections describing it as the feeling of constantly spinning their wheels.
Sean’s experience made me reflect on the times when I felt isolated and detached from my colleagues due to a lack of personal interaction. I also thrive in environments that are built on interaction, connections, collaboration, and relationships. Building relationships is a fundamental part of many roles, and when an organization doesn't prioritize that in the onboarding process, it can lead to a sense of disconnect and ultimately, departure.
These stories underscore the critical importance of onboarding, a phase often overshadowed by the excitement of recruitment. It is not just about getting new hires familiar with office amenities; it is about setting the stage for their success, aligning with the promises made during recruitment, and nurturing their potential.?
As I look back on my own experiences and conversations about this topic, I realize that a positive onboarding experience can make all the difference in retaining top talent and fostering a thriving and inclusive workforce.
Conclusion
The importance of a proper onboarding program cannot be overstated. It is the linchpin that holds together the recruitment and retention efforts of an organization. Neglecting it is like preparing a sumptuous feast but forgetting to set the table. You may have all the ingredients for success, but without the right presentation, the experience falls flat.
So, let's challenge the status quo. Let's invest the time and effort needed to create onboarding experiences that not only welcome new hires but empower them to thrive. After all, an organization's greatest asset is its people, and nurturing that talent starts from day one.
About the author
Kirsten Westholter is a Senior Advisor and Co-founder of Predixa, an award-winning Culture & Leadership Transformation Company, helping clients to improve their business quickly and effectively, underpinned by powerful AI-based diagnostics and cross-industry experience.
She has helped transform businesses for over two decades through Business Process Management, Continuous Improvement and Customer Excellence. With a global footprint spanning Western Europe and the UAE, Kirsten has partnered with clients of all sizes and industries, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every collaboration.?
As an Expert in Culture & Leadership Transformation and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Kirsten is dedicated to nurturing inclusive environments that drive innovation and success. Her approach is rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives are the bedrock of exceptional outcomes.?