Five Steps to World Class Onboarding (SHRM Keynote 11.11)

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker emphasizes the importance of onboarding as a strategic tool to reduce employee turnover and boost engagement. Drawing on personal experiences, they highlight how ineffective onboarding can lead to high turnover, while strong management and clear communication can keep employees motivated and connected to the company’s purpose. The speaker stresses that great onboarding should go beyond basic tasks, focusing on building purpose and providing ongoing feedback. Ultimately, a combination of strong onboarding and exceptional management leads to a high-performing organizational culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Every organization has an onboarding program, whether formal or informal, impacting employee experiences.
• 📈 Effective onboarding is a strategic system designed to reduce turnover and increase staff engagement.
• 🏢 Personal experiences during onboarding can significantly influence new hires' perceptions of the company.
• 🔑 The MAP formula (Mastery, Autonomy, Purpose) is essential for keeping employees motivated and engaged.
• 🗣️ Regular feedback within the first six months is crucial for new employees to feel supported and valued.
• 👥 Great employees seek great managers; the quality of management plays a vital role in retention.
• ⏳ It typically takes about 6.2 months for new hires to start contributing value equal to their training costs.
• 🔍 Companies must connect new hires' roles to the larger organizational purpose to foster engagement.
• 📅 Scheduled quarterly check-ins are essential for maintaining dialogue and support during the onboarding process.
• 💬 Investing in employee care leads to improved service quality and ultimately drives profitability.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of onboarding in an organization?

The primary purpose of onboarding is to decrease staff turnover by increasing employee engagement and ensuring new hires feel connected to the organization.

Why does the speaker believe that every organization has an onboarding program?

The speaker argues that every organization has some form of onboarding because all new employees experience learning, meet new colleagues, and adapt to new environments, regardless of whether a formal program exists.

How did the speaker's first job experience shape their view on onboarding?

The speaker's first job experience was chaotic and poorly managed, leading them to realize the importance of effective onboarding and motivating them to specialize in that area.

What retention statistics were shared from Dixon Hughes Goodman?

Out of 23 new hires at Dixon Hughes Goodman, only 6 remained with the company three years later, highlighting significant turnover issues.

What does the MAP formula stand for, and why is it important?

The MAP formula stands for Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose. It is important because these elements help new hires feel competent, independent, and connected to the larger mission of the organization.

What role does feedback play in the onboarding process?

Feedback is crucial during onboarding as it helps new employees understand their performance and how they fit into the organization's goals, fostering engagement and improvement.

Why is manager accountability emphasized in onboarding?

Manager accountability is emphasized because great employees often leave due to poor management. Effective onboarding requires strong, supportive managers to help retain talent.

How can strong managerial support impact the onboarding experience?

Strong managerial support can compensate for poor onboarding programs by providing guidance, mentorship, and engagement, which can help new employees feel valued and connected.

What is the significance of the statement, 'people join companies and leave people'?

This statement underscores that while onboarding processes can attract new hires, the quality of management and relationships within the company ultimately determines employee retention.

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between employee care and organizational success?

The speaker suggests that taking care of employees leads to better service and ultimately higher profits, creating a cycle that fosters a high-performing culture.