Make It Right From The Get-Go - How Much Effort Do You Put on Onboarding?

Author: Ada Tai 

My onboarding experiences have varied widely across companies, with some proving far more memorable than others. One of the most significant examples was my first leadership role. I was hired to replace the HR Manager at a mid-sized company that had just been acquired. I was instructed to meet Liz, the HR Generalist, at the reception area at 8 a.m. on my first day, because my direct supervisor who located in the U.S. was on vacation for a month. Liz, who had been with the company for 4 years, knew everyone and everything and would “show me around.” Eager and punctual, I arrived 10 minutes early, only to find the reception area deserted. Despite the office being open, I was met with puzzled looks from passing employees: nobody seemed to know what was happening. I stood there looking lost until 8:15 am when Liz came rushing in with a McDonald's breakfast and a coffee. After a flustered greeting, she led me to my office, which looked like a tornado had hit it: employee files were everywhere, the laptop was sitting on a makeshift desk, the computer was not connected, and the office chair seemed to be plotting against me. My first morning was filled with random introduction to employees as they passed by, and the first afternoon was filled with going through a stack of policies and forms. A welcome email from my supervisor arrived three days into my job. After providing a list of tasks, I was given the signal of “I paid you to figure out the job yourself”... 

How soon after joining a company do you usually decide whether to stay or not? Not surprisingly, I did not last long at this job.

A staggering one-third of new hires depart within three months. ¹ Despite widespread challenges in recruitment and retention, businesses often overlook root causes. My experience highlights the critical role of onboarding. A well-structured onboarding process significantly impacts employee experience at their new organization, hence influenceing engagement and retention. While numerous resources detail effective onboarding practices, I will focus on the two fundamental principles:

1. Conduct meticulous planning of communication

The onboarding process is a critical “first impression” where the new employee and the company both set the stage and decide whether they would continue down the path of the “marriage”. It should not be mistaken with the 1 day or 1 week of “orientation” event where the new employees are introduced to company policies, procedures, forms, people and the physical surroundings. Integrating someone into a company culture can take one or two years, depending on the complexity of the job and the organization. So, forget about fancy orientation game software or lavish welcome lunches. The real magic happens in the meticulous planning of communication:

  • Communicate what the new hire needs to know, and 
  • Communicate what the new hire wants to know. 

To ensure a smooth onboarding process, managers should proactively consider what information a new hire needs to succeed in their role. Putting themselves in the new hire's position, they should anticipate the questions and concerns that may arise. This encompasses various aspects, such as job responsibilities, work environment, team dynamics, company culture and history, the leadership, policies, safety expectations, and support systems. It is also critical to explain the manager’s style, expectations and communication preference. By addressing these aspects upfront, managers can facilitate a seamless transition for new employees and set them up for success.

2. Demonstrate genuine interest in new hire experiences by conducting regular touchpoints

Many organizations consider their onboarding process complete once communication has been established and the new employee demonstrates competence. However, it's essential to recognize that each individual is unique. Simply fulfilling job requirements does not guarantee employee retention and engagement. To gauge the sentiments of new hires, managers must keenly observe, listen to their questions, and provide necessary feedback and support. Implementing regularly scheduled one-on-one check-in meetings is a common method employed by managers to engage new employees. These meetings can take the form of:

  • Weekly or bi-weekly sessions between the direct supervisor and the new hire,
  • An end-of-probation performance review,
  • A "stay interview" conducted at the 6-month and 12-month marks. One of our clients recently implemented this approach to ask targeted questions to the new employee and these conversations serve as a valuable tool for eliciting feedback on what works well, challenges encountered, and suggestions for improvement. 

As these discussions are targeted at new employees, who view the organization from an "outsider" perspective, their insights offer fresh viewpoints for enhancing the organization's recruitment and onboarding processes, managerial effectiveness, and work procedures.

It is well-documented that a large number of new hires leave their new employers due to a mismatch with the corporate culture, unclear expectations, ambiguous job assignments, or their supervisor's style. A well-executed onboarding process helps resolve many of these issues by establishing a strong foundation and fostering employee engagement from the get-go. This, in turn, enables organizations to reduce turnover and promote long-term employee success.

Reference:

John Doe, Jane Doe, & Mary Doe (2019, March 19). Why 33 Percent of New Employees Quit in 90 Days. Retrieved on August 5, 2024, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/platform-success/201903/why-33-percent-new-employees-quit-in-90-days


I see. I hear. I experience. is a column created by and written by Ada Tai, a chartered member of CPHR Alberta. The column is written in a blog format where Ada and invited co-authors will present their own experiences and interpretations of the world of human resources and its impact on business management. This and the subsequent posts are copyrighted materials by the author(s) and only reflect their personal views, not CPHR Alberta’s.

Author bio: With an MBA Degree, a CPHR, and an SHRM-SCP designation, Ada Tai has been working as an HR professional in a variety of industries for 15+ years. Through her consulting firm, Ada and the team provide a variety of strategic and pragmatic management consulting services.  Ada’s public speaking skills have enabled her to be regularly invited to speak about HR, people management, career search, and networking topics throughout the province. She is also a well-respected Instructor at local universities. 

Contact information:

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LinkedIn: adatai or BadaB-Consulting-Inc

Facebook @ badabconsulting 

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BadaB Consulting Inc. provides a wide range of HR solutions, including Strategic HR and Succession Planning, Organizational Design & Development, Merger & Acquisition Due Diligence, Recruitment, Training Facilitation, Compensation Design, Performance Management, Workplace Investigation, Policy Development, etc. Another specialty of BadaB’s services is establishing future-proofed technology strategies and roadmaps.


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.


 


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



By Marina Perkovic July 15, 2025
Over the past month, I spoke with three professionals who had recently been laid off. April , a former schoolmate, has over 20 years of experience and has held management roles at several organizations. Most recently, she led a team at a large oil and gas company, where she was instrumental in building out a new service area. Despite her accomplishments, a combination of economic challenges and a lack of connection with her new boss led to her dismissal. Having been involved in layoffs before, she understood the process, but when she called me, she admitted it was much harder to be on the receiving end. She felt overwhelmed by a mix of emotions: denial, anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of failure. Carol , once a mentee of mine, built a strong foundation in the finance sector, and her persistence earned her a team lead role at a competitive mid-sized firm. Therefore, her call caught me off guard; she was trying to make sense of being included in a round of layoffs that affected 12 others. Having just been promoted, she struggled to understand why she had been chosen. She reached out for support as she navigated both the practical and emotional aftermath. Joe had been a student in one of my classes. With a master’s degree and excellent communication skills, he established a respected career in the regional non-profit sector. We maintained contact and often crossed paths through work. Joe was frequently involved in launching new initiatives and was recognized by both his boss and the board for his contributions. However, when the sector faced financial strain, he and his manager were among the 15% let go. He contacted me a month after the layoff; he had taken time to process everything and was now reflecting on what direction to take next. These stories are not uncommon. In fact, with ongoing economic uncertainty, many professionals, regardless of their experience or performance, are facing unexpected career changes. While layoffs are always challenging, the way they are handled can significantly impact both the individuals affected and the organization. This highlights a critical challenge for organizations: how can companies manage necessary workforce changes with both strategic foresight and genuine care? In addition to engaging the Human Resources department early in the planning and execution process, many businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of utilizing third-party outplacement services. Outplacement services are employer-sponsored programs designed to support both the business and departing employees during layoffs or organizational restructuring. Typically included as part of a severance package, these services offer more than just logistical support; they help individuals navigate a difficult transition with confidence. Outplacement services can be customized based on the needs and budget of the employer. Offerings often include planning for workforce reductions in collaboration with the business, delivering termination messages, and providing one-on-one career transition coaching and emotional support to affected staff. More importantly, these services help affected employees regain focus by offering practical job search guidance, resume coaching, and career direction tailored to their experience and industry. For employers, outplacement services can deliver a clear return on investment. Companies that provide structured transition support often experience fewer legal disputes and benefit from a stronger employer brand, which can positively influence talent attraction and retention. Showing care during a difficult time speaks volumes to internal teams, affected employees, clients, and the broader market. Having worked closely with businesses and professionals throughout this process, I’ve witnessed the significant difference that experienced, neutral third-party support can make. In fact, a 2023 CBIZ report, referencing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, noted that individuals who received outplacement assistance secured new roles 40% faster than those who did not receive support (CBIZ, 2023). Just imagine if April had access to a coach experienced in private sector transitions, or if Carol had received immediate help with processing her layoff and planning her next steps; the positive impact would have been immediate. In today’s environment, outplacement isn’t merely a nice option; it is a strategic necessity. How will your organization ensure a respectful and supportive transition for its workforce? When selecting an outplacement partner, consider factors such as industry experience, the ability to customize services, the quality of career coaches, and the integration of digital tools for job seekers. Not all providers offer the same level of support or results, so thorough vetting is essential. 
By Marina Perkovic July 10, 2025
The countdown to the CPHR Alberta 2025 Conference has officially begun!
By Marina Perkovic July 9, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meet quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we share post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on June 24, 2025, and the Board’s key messages are as follows: Financial Update CPHR Alberta remains in a stable financial position with a forecasted break-even year-end as per the approved Budget. The Board reappointed Cascade Chartered Professional Accountants LLP as auditor for 2025–2027. Strategic Planning The Board held a focused one-day Strategic Refocus Workshop to explore how CPHR Alberta delivers value to its members. This work will guide the development of an updated three-year strategic plan, aligned with the evolving needs of the profession. Self-Regulation The Professional Governance Act received Royal Assent in May 2025 and Royal Proclamation expected for Spring 2026. CPHR Alberta anticipates review of its self-regulation application in Spring 2027. Ongoing work focuses on legislative alignment, internal readiness, and member communications. CPHR Alberta Conference Join us at the CPHR Alberta 2025 Conference, Human-Centric HR on September 23–24 in Edmonton. Be sure to stop by the CPHR Alberta booth to meet and connect with your Board of Directors. The next Board meeting will take place on September 22, 2025, after which we will share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!
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