Six Mistakes You Are Making with New Employee Onboarding

Employee turnover costs you major bucks, and new hire onboarding is the most critical time in a new hire's life cycle. It's a make-or-break moment when a fresh recruit either becomes a star performer or starts eyeing the exit door. So why do so many small businesses and healthcare practices fumble this crucial first impression?

I was onboarded at a very large organization and was greeted with no plan, no warm welcome, no training, and no expectations or feedback. It was highly disorienting. I had to fend for myself and feel my way around the organization as if I was navigating a dark tunnel. Let’s just say that it didn’t end well.

Photo: Preparing new hires is like prepping for a delicious meal. 

A Better Approach

Think of onboarding like cooking a gourmet meal. You wouldn't just toss a bunch of random ingredients into a pot, crank up the heat, and hope for the best, would you? No way! You'd carefully select the finest ingredients, chop, slice, season, and sauté them to perfection before blending those flavors into a culinary masterpiece.

Onboarding deserves the same meticulous approach. Your new hires are those prime ingredients, full of potential and ready to be molded into valuable assets. But before you throw them into the fiery furnace of your workplace, you need to prepare them, nurture them, and set them up for success.

Because let's be real, the world of healthcare and small business can be a pressure cooker. It's demanding, fast-paced, and not for the faint of heart. But with the right onboarding recipe, you can transform those wide-eyed newbies into confident, capable contributors who thrive in your unique environment.

So, ditch the "set it and forget it" mentality and avoid these common onboarding blunders:

Mistake 1: Making Onboarding Mysterious

Imagine showing up for your first day at a new job, clueless about where to park, what to wear, or even how to get into the building. Talk about a recipe for disaster! Instead, provide crystal-clear instructions: where to go, when to arrive, how to access the building, what the dress code is, and any office quirks they should know about. A little pre-boarding prep goes a long way in easing those first-day jitters.

Mistake 2: An Ice Cold Welcome

"Here's your desk, have at it!" Nothing screams "we don't care" like a frosty reception. Instead, roll out the red carpet! Decorate their workspace with a welcome sign, leave a basket of goodies, include a handwritten note from their manager, or even surprise them with a small gift. A warm welcome sets the stage for a positive and productive experience.

Mistake 3: Having No Plan

It's astonishing how often new hires are greeted with a chaotic scramble: no computer, no login credentials, no training schedule, no clue what to do. Don't wing it! Use the time between accepting the offer and their start date to prepare. Get their system access sorted, create a detailed training plan, and assign a mentor or buddy to guide them through the ropes. A structured onboarding process shows that you value their time and are invested in their success.

Mistake 4: Setting No Expectations for Performance

It's like giving someone a recipe without any measurements or cooking times. How can they possibly know if they're on the right track? Clearly define expectations for their first week, month, and beyond. Outline key milestones, provide regular feedback, and offer support along the way. Clear expectations empower employees to take ownership and contribute meaningfully from day one.

Mistake 5: Failing To Give Feedback

Starting a new job is like entering a foreign country with unfamiliar customs and language. New hires crave guidance, reassurance, and feedback to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Yet, all too often, they're left to wander aimlessly, wondering if they're meeting expectations or falling short. Don't leave them in the dark! Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive, to guide their performance, boost their confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.

Conclusion: Spice Up Your Onboarding!

Just like a perfectly prepared meal, onboarding requires careful planning and execution. By avoiding these common mistakes and adding some thoughtful touches, you can create a welcoming and supportive environment for your new hires. Remember, a well-seasoned onboarding process is the key ingredient to reducing turnover, boosting employee morale, and setting your team up for success.

So ditch the "throw-them-in-the-pot-and-hope-for-the-best" approach and start crafting an onboarding experience that's as delightful as a gourmet feast! Your employees (and your bottom line) will thank you for it.