Retaining employees can be a challenge, but effective onboarding makes all the difference.
Research shows that strong onboarding programs can increase retention by a whopping 82%. But what does a truly great onboarding experience look like? Here are four key ways to create an effective onboarding process that resonates with employees, especially newer generations like Gen Z.
1. First impressions matter
Onboarding is where your new hires get their first real taste of what working with your company will be like. Think of it as the beginning of a long conversation that helps them understand who you are, what you stand for, and where they fit into the bigger picture. Especially for Gen Z, who value community and clear purpose, a thoughtful introduction to your culture can make them feel like they belong.
Quick tip: Assign a buddy to every new hire to help first-day jitters and answer informal questions. A friendly face on day one can help break the ice and set a welcoming tone, especially for virtual or hybrid setups.
2. Go beyond the basics
While paperwork is part of the deal, effective onboarding goes beyond ticking boxes. New hires should be excited, engaged, and equipped to hit the ground running. This is where a little personalization goes a long way. Giving employees the freedom to choose their hardware, for instance, not only shows you care about their preferences, but also provides them with tools they’ll feel comfortable using from the start.
Quick tip: Let new hires choose their preferred devices within company guidelines. Velory’s IT store allows for easy, policy-compliant choices that help them feel valued from day one.
3. Set clear expectations
When employees know exactly what's expected of them, they feel more confident and motivated. Being transparent about their responsibilities, performance goals, and growth potential can help reduce early turnover and build trust from day one. Regular manager check-ins can also help bridge any gaps between expectations and reality.
Quick tip: Provide a simple “role roadmap” outlining the first few months’ goals. This simple step helps build trust and allows managers to focus more on guiding than setting.
4. Keep it going
Onboarding doesn’t end after week one. Long-term support - like ongoing training, mentorship, and feedback - shows employees that they’re not just hired, but invested in. For Gen Z, who place high value on career growth and purpose, knowing they have a path for development can be a huge motivator to stay engaged.
Quick tip: Regular feedback and development check-ins keep new hires motivated and engaged for the long term by showing them there’s more than a job here - there’s a career path.
The role of IT in a smooth onboarding process for new employees
Let’s face it, a lot of onboarding success depends on smooth IT operations. No one wants to be stuck waiting for equipment or fumbling through setup on day one. At Velory, we know that providing employees with a seamless IT experience can be the difference between a “just okay” onboarding and a “nailed it” one. By following a well-structured IT onboarding checklist, including automated device tracking, lifecycle management, and self-service tech choices, we make sure that your IT onboarding is efficient and enjoyable.
Achieve IT asset automation with Velory
Imagine an onboarding experience where IT never feels like a hassle. Employees can choose their preferred devices within company policy, and everything is ready to go on day one for a smooth, welcoming start.
Sounds too good to be true? Schedule a demo with our experts to learn about how Velory can simplify your IT processes for a seamless employee onboarding process flow.
