Face-to-face onboarding important for employee development

The shake-up that the workforce experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic forced organisations to adjust processes, including how onboarding is approached. As things return to normal, one thing candidates are after is onsite, face-to-face onboarding.

Research from Software Advice revealed that 54 per cent of respondents would rather onboarding be conducted in person. Broken down, the responses looked like this:

• Twenty per cent said they’d prefer “onsite shadowing sessions with peers”.
• Eighteen per cent chose “onsite individual training modules conducted by a trainer”.
• Sixteen per cent would prefer “onsite group training modules conducted by a trainer”.

Shockingly, 19 per cent said they’d never received any formal onboarding throughout their career. Meanwhile, 52 per cent of those who said they’d experienced onboarding said it was useful to their development.

For those who have received onboarding, the top three factors they valued the most from this process were:

1. Mentoring or training from experienced coworkers (54 per cent).
2. Availability and access to all the necessary tools to do the job (53 per cent).
3. Regular feedback from the manager/HR associate (42 per cent).

Analyst at Software Advice, Ojasvini, commented: “The findings challenge conventional beliefs and highlight the need for organisations to prioritise onsite onboarding ... Companies must recognise the importance of providing comprehensive onboarding experiences, including shadowing sessions and individual and group training modules.”

Further to this data, employees outlined the benefits they expect a company to offer. Rewards and recognition were top of mind for many. According to respondents, the most appreciated forms of recognition were:

• Extra bonus/payment based on performance (52 per cent).
• Positive feedback from managers/coworkers (49 per cent).
• Redistribution of profits from the company to employees (20 per cent).
• Public shout-outs (19 per cent).
• Gifts/rewards on special events (19 per cent).
• Promotions (19 per cent).

However, the biggest benefit was flexibility. This was noted as the “most empowering” benefit an organisation can offer its staff. Respondents listed their top benefits as:

1. Flexibility (54 per cent)
2. Financial support (49 per cent)
3. Wellness (37 per cent)

With flexibility being such a crucial consideration for employees, workplaces should take advantage of the opportunity to offer it. It is a balancing act, however, as onsite onboarding must still be offered.

Ojasvini concluded: “Offering work flexibility can significantly contribute to employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Companies should also consider implementing career development processes to support their employees’ growth and ensure long-term success.”