According to a recent report by Cognexo, over half (54%) of office workers are dissatisfied with their onboarding experience. Typical frustrations include a lack of structure (31%), differences between job descriptions and actual roles (21%), and confusion about daily responsibilities (20%).
In addition, 14% stated they felt isolated during onboarding, highlighting the challenges organisations face in creating a seamless process.
Gen Z employees were susceptible to mismatches between job expectations and reality and were more likely to feel uncertain about their daily tasks. These early frustrations contribute to other retention issues, with 41% of UK employers reporting that staff resigned within their first 12 weeks, according to separate research from the CIPD. Alarmingly, 27% of employers have had new hires fail to show up on their first day.
Experts emphasise the importance of clear communication during recruitment and pre-boarding to set accurate expectations and foster engagement. Detailed job descriptions, transparent role discussions, and early touchpoints with managers can help address these issues.
Pre-boarding spans the period from offer acceptance to the first day and is a critical phase for building trust and clarity.
The study highlights the need for structured onboarding programs tailored to individual roles. These should outline goals, timelines, and responsibilities while incorporating regular check-ins and feedback opportunities.
Early one-on-one meetings with managers can align employees’ efforts with organizational objectives and clarify performance expectations.
In addition, social and cultural integration plays a critical role in creating a positive onboarding experience. Providing mentors or “buddies,” organizing team introductions, and arranging opportunities for social engagement can help new hires feel welcome and valued.
Moreover, gathering feedback from new employees about their onboarding experience can provide insights to improve the process and reduce future dissatisfaction. Organisations can create a smoother onboarding experience by addressing these concerns, enhancing engagement and retention.