Mistakes in onboarding new employees can frequently occur in small businesses. The process may not be strategically planned out, or it may not be seen as a valuable step in the new-hire experience – whatever the reason, a new hire’s first impression of the business is still crucial. That’s why many companies are focusing on developing their onboarding process to help increase retention rates, clarify expectations for performance, and improve internal communications and relationships.
Here’s a look at some common mistakes around onboarding new employees and what small businesses can do to navigate them:
Equating orientation with onboarding. Sometimes, companies mistakenly equate orientation, which involves completing routine paperwork and other tasks, with onboarding, which aims for a cohesive integration into the workplace and a greater sense of being part of a new team. Orientation is usually more tactical in nature, while onboarding entails a comprehensive approach to providing knowledge a new hire needs to be effective at their job and understating the culture of your business.