The Key Challenges of Onboarding

The first 30 days of a new employee’s journey with your organization are pivotal. Impressions formed during interviews are overwhelmingly positive for 78% of candidates [Talent Board, 2023].

However, despite this promising start, only around 22% of employees feel their onboarding experience is effectively managed by their organization [IBM Workhuman Report, 2023]. This discrepancy can significantly impact your company’s reputation, with just 1 in 5 new hires likely to recommend your organization to others after their onboarding process [Deloitte, 2023].

But why does this happen? Brightspark has identified several critical challenges that hinder effective onboarding:

#1 Paperwork-Heavy Processes

Recent studies reveal that 36% of organizations still rely on formal, paperwork-centric onboarding processes [SHRM, 2023]. This approach hinders customization and responsiveness to individual employee needs and company culture. Instead of focusing on integrating new hires smoothly into the organizational fabric, HR teams often find themselves overwhelmed with stacks of paperwork.

The consequences of this paperwork-heavy approach are twofold. Firstly, it restricts the flexibility needed to tailor onboarding experiences to the unique backgrounds and expectations of new employees. Each individual brings a distinct set of skills, aspirations, and cultural preferences, which a rigid paperwork process fails to address adequately.

Secondly, the administrative burden placed on HR teams detracts from their ability to engage personally with new hires. Onboarding should be more than a checklist; it should be an opportunity to build rapport, clarify expectations, and nurture a sense of belonging from day one. When HR professionals are bogged down by paperwork, they have less time to dedicate to these crucial interpersonal aspects of onboarding.

Only 27% of organizations have programs specifically designed to align with their unique workplace culture and values [Gallup, 2023]. By shifting focus from paperwork to people, organizations can foster a more engaging and supportive onboarding experience that sets the stage for long-term success and satisfaction.

– 36% of organizations focus on paperwork-heavy, formal onboarding [SHRM, 2023].
– 27% of organizations have culture-specific onboarding programs [Gallup, 2023].
– An average of 54 tasks must be completed during the onboarding process [HCI, 2023].

#2 Shortened Onboarding Times

Onboarding is often viewed as a 30-day process, but its true value extends far beyond this initial period. Despite this understanding, only about 35% of organizations continue onboarding efforts beyond the first month [SHRM, 2023]. This time constraint creates pressure to condense vital information, training, and assimilation into a short timeframe.

For new employees, this abbreviated onboarding period can feel overwhelming. They may struggle to absorb crucial details about company policies, job responsibilities, and team dynamics amidst the rush to complete required tasks. This rushed approach not only jeopardizes thorough integration but also impacts job satisfaction and long-term retention.

Furthermore, the sheer volume of tasks—averaging over 54 items per employee—compounds the challenge [HCI, 2023]. From completing paperwork and training modules to understanding company culture and team dynamics, new hires face a daunting checklist that demands efficiency over thoroughness.

Organizations that extend their onboarding beyond 30 days demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive integration. By allowing more time for learning and acclimation, they empower new hires to build deeper connections, clarify expectations, and fully embrace their roles within the company.

#3 Inconsistent Application Across the Business

Achieving consistency in onboarding practices presents another significant challenge. According to a study by the Human Capital Institute, organizations struggle to apply onboarding processes uniformly across different departments and teams [HCI, 2023]. This inconsistency can lead to varying levels of support, information, and integration experiences for new hires, ultimately impacting their engagement and retention.

The lack of standardized onboarding processes often results from decentralized management or varying priorities across departments. While some teams may prioritize thorough training and mentorship, others may focus solely on administrative tasks, leaving new employees feeling disconnected or underprepared.

Inconsistent onboarding experiences not only affect individual employee satisfaction but also reflect poorly on the organization as a whole. Employees who receive inconsistent support during onboarding may struggle to align with company values, understand their roles fully, or integrate into team dynamics effectively.

Brightspark addresses these challenges comprehensively with a suite of features designed to streamline and enhance the onboarding process:

• Holistic Employee Profile Interface

  Gain comprehensive access to key employee data through an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This feature allows HR teams to view and manage essential information such as personal details, employment history, performance metrics, and training records in one centralized platform.

• Onboarding Wizard

  Simplify and expedite the recruitment and onboarding process with a user-friendly wizard. This tool guides HR professionals through each step, from creating user profiles and setting up initial training sessions to completing necessary paperwork and compliance checks. By automating routine tasks, the Onboarding Wizard reduces administrative burden and ensures new hires receive a seamless introduction to the company.

• Weekly Team Member Briefing

  Enhance communication and engagement by facilitating regular team briefings. This feature enables HR executives to disseminate important updates, recognize employee achievements, and gather feedback efficiently. By fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration from the outset, organizations can strengthen team cohesion and alignment with company goals.

• Training and Planning Module

  Promote continuous professional development with a robust training management system. HR leaders can create personalized training programs tailored to individual employee needs and career aspirations. Features include scheduling training sessions, tracking progress, managing certifications, and planning annual training initiatives. By investing in employee growth, organizations not only improve skill retention but also boost job satisfaction and retention rates.

• Recruitment Application Tracking

  Centralize and streamline the recruitment process with advanced tracking capabilities. This feature allows HR teams to monitor candidate applications, schedule interviews, and collaborate with hiring managers seamlessly. Integration with external job boards and website vacancy listings ensures consistent branding and messaging, enhancing the organization’s appeal to top talent.

• Document Management and Contract Monitoring

  Ensure compliance and efficiency with comprehensive document management and contract monitoring tools. HR professionals can securely store and retrieve essential documents, such as employment contracts, NDAs, and policy manuals. Automated alerts and renewal notifications simplify contract management, reducing compliance risks and enhancing organizational transparency.

By leveraging these innovative features, Brightspark empowers organizations to standardize onboarding practices, optimize workforce management, and foster a supportive and inclusive company culture. Transform your onboarding experience into a strategic advantage and drive long-term success for your organization.

Discover how Brightspark can elevate your team’s performance and refine your onboarding processes. Visit our Benefits page or contact us at [email protected] to schedule a demo today!