What are the most effective onboarding strategies for retaining new employees?

In my experience, it's difficult to have a one-size-fits-all answer for the most effective onboarding strategies for retaining new employees. Part of the challenge is understanding the scope of the work to be done, plus whether or not the candidate being onboarded has enough experience (so how much onboarding they will need). In my experience, onboarding that is thorough AND customized is most effective. Additionally, onboarding is often rushed, and many boxes aren't "ticked." Candidates are just told, "We normally would do (some task), but we don't have time. We'll do it at a future date." Finally, proper onboarding takes time and money. New hires shouldn't feel like they are being rushed or "drinking from a firehose."

Defining Goals Specific: Make them clear and unambiguous. Instead of "improving fitness," using "run a 5K in 6 months." Measurable: Track progress with concrete metrics. "Increase sales by 20%" is better than "boost sales." Attainable: Push yourself, but ensure they're realistically achievable to avoid discouragement. Relevant: Align your goals with your values and priorities. "Write a novel" won't motivate you if you don't enjoy writing. Time-bound: Set deadlines to create a sense of urgency and track progress. "Finish coding project by January 1st" is better than "learn to code sometime.

In my experience, onboarding is often rushed. There are usually too many justifications for this, but if you expect to retain quality staff, then don't give them a reason to quit before 90 days are up. Train new hires properly and offer them adequate training and support. This will keep on happy and make them more productive for the company. That's a win-win.

Remember: Monitor and evaluate consistently, not just at the end of a project or initiative. Be flexible and adapt your methods based on your needs and evolving circumstances. Celebrate successes and learn from setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth. By effectively monitoring and evaluating progress and satisfaction, you can stay on track, ensure alignment with goals, and maximize the chances of achieving desired outcomes.

you can ensure everyone is on the same page, working towards shared goals, and minimizing potential conflicts and disappointments. Remember, clear goals and expectations are the foundation for successful planning, collaboration, and ultimately, reaching your full potential.