This time, Sytytä's blog is about onboarding. This is also for international professionals since we help people connect to Finnish companies.
Starting a new job is like embarking on a new adventure. There’s the thrill of new challenges, the excitement of meeting new colleagues, and the sense of opportunity. But it can also be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and the fear of the unknown. In this journey, effective onboarding serves as the compass, guiding new employees through the uncharted waters of a company culture.
Onboarding is not just a bureaucratic checklist or a series of HR tasks; it’s a critical process that sets the stage for an employee’s long-term success within an organization. At its core, onboarding is about nurturing a sense of belonging and aligning newcomers with the company's values, expectations, and unique atmosphere. In this blog post, we explore four key reasons why onboarding plays such an important role in fostering a cohesive company culture.
One: Cultural immersion
One of the primary goals of onboarding is to introduce new employees to the company’s culture, mission, vision, and values - the heart and soul of the organization. By emphasizing company values from day one, employees are more likely to align their behavior with the organization's overarching goals. This alignment not only ensures consistency in actions but also creates a shared sense of purpose among team members.
Two: Building relationships
Building relationships is a fundamental part of any successful workplace. Onboarding plays a significant role in helping new hires build relationships with their colleagues. These early connections foster a sense of belonging and create a support network that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. When employees feel connected to their coworkers, they are more likely to engage with the culture and contribute positively to the workplace environment.
Three: Understanding Norms and Expectations
Starting a new job can be overwhelming. There are new processes to learn, systems to navigate, and role expectations to meet. In addition, every workplace has its unwritten rules. Onboarding helps new employees understand these cultural nuances. Whether it’s the communication style, work hours, or the company’s approach to problem-solving, providing clarity on these matters ensures that employees can adapt and thrive in their new environment. This understanding reduces confusion and minimizes misunderstandings that can hinder cultural integration.
Four: Cultural Immersion for Employee Retention
The onboarding process is more than just a one-time event: it sets the stage for an employee’s entire journey within the company. Several research studies have shown that well-organized onboarding can significantly impact employee retention rates. When new hires feel supported, engaged, and connected to the company’s culture, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long term. This not only saves money on recruitment but also helps maintain a consistent and strong workplace culture.
In conclusion, well-thought and effective onboarding is an investment in both the company and its employees. It ensures that everyone is on the same page, working toward common goals and contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. So, next time you welcome a new team member, remember their onboarding experience is a critical step toward cultural integration and the overall success of your organization. PS If you need any help building or fostering your onboarding process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We know how to make onboarding your competitive advantage.