Retention and Engagement Starts Here

Onboarding That Lasts

A well-crafted onboarding process fosters engagement, productivity, and retention from day one, setting the stage for long-term employee success.

Structured onboarding helps new hires acclimate to company culture, understand expectations, and build connections with their team, reducing time to full productivity. It also boosts confidence, leading to higher retention rates and lower turnover costs.

Successful onboarding reduces turnover, boosts productivity, and fosters loyalty.

The Cost of Turnover

Replacing employees is expensive. Recruitment, onboarding, and training costs, along with lost productivity, can quickly add up. Employee turnover often leads to productivity losses and the loss of valuable institutional knowledge as well as potential disruption in customer and partner relationships.

Onboarding

Studies show that 70% of employees with exceptional onboarding experiences believe they have the “best possible job” and are 2.6 times more likely to stay long-term, according to Gallup, Inc., the analytics and advisory company.

Successful onboarding is a key to long-term employee satisfaction, engagement and motivation. Engaging employees by showing gratitude is one strategy that can help reduce what Gallup refers to as the “Great Detachment.” According to Gallup, U.S. employee engagement reached an 11-year low in 2024, and overall employee satisfaction returned to an all-time record low not seen since 2014.

Employee retention is also a competitive advantage, as a knowledgeable and experienced workforce is typically better equipped to innovate and drive long-term growth. Employees with long-standing tenure often develop deeper relationships with customers, leading to better interactions and stronger customer loyalty.

Employee retention and longevity is a sign of a healthy, desirable organization, where workers are valued by the organization and appreciated. This reputation as a great place to work can also have a positive effect on hiring.

Incentives Enhance Onboarding

Rewards and incentives are powerful tools for boosting employee engagement during onboarding. A well-structured onboarding and incentive program help make employees feel appreciated and motivated.

A Comprehensive Onboarding Plan

An onboarding plan provides clarity and direction to managers on steps to take with new hires. Here’s an example of a plan that integrates rewards and incentives into a 90 day roadmap:

  • Pre-Initiation Welcome: Send a welcome email with a digital gift card two weeks before the start date.
  • Personalized Swag Selection: Allow employees to choose company-branded items before their first day.
  • First Day Lunch: Arrange an employee lunch to make the first day memorable.
  • Coffee Chats: Facilitate informal meetings with onsite and remote colleagues, supported by coffee gift cards.
  • Lunch with Manager: Arrange a virtual or in-person lunch during the first week.
  • Role-Specific Training: Reward progress with thank-you gifts or branded swag.
  • Team Lunch: Encourage team bonding with team lunch with onsite and remote colleagues.
  • Feedback Session: Conduct a 30-day review and thank employees with a small reward as gratitude.
  • 90-Day Celebration: Mark the end of the onboarding period with a thoughtful gift.

Long-Term Engagement with Ongoing Incentives

Engagement efforts shouldn’t stop after onboarding. Regular check-ins, milestone celebrations, and ongoing rewards maintain motivation and strengthen loyalty.

Examples include:

  • Six-Month and One-Year Anniversaries: Recognize these milestones with personalized gifts and team celebrations.
  • Non-Monetary Incentives: Offer flexible work arrangements, career development opportunities, and wellness programs.

Onboarding for Long-Term Success

A successful onboarding program combines thoughtful practices with strategic incentives to create a welcoming and engaging experience for new hires. Key elements include recognition rewards, clear goals, training, mentorship, social integration, and ongoing support.

By implementing a structured cadence of rewards and activities like coffee meetings, team lunches, milestone gifts, and anniversary celebrations, organizations can motivate employees, accelerate productivity, and reduce turnover.

Effective onboarding not only enhances employee satisfaction but also delivers a strong return on investment by building a skilled workforce, fostering a positive culture, and positioning the organization as an employer of choice. Prioritizing retention from day one drives long-term success and cultivates a committed, high-performing team.