Onboarding
The process of integrating a new employee into an organisation — covering everything from administrative setup to cultural immersion and role-specific training.
Onboarding is the structured process through which new hires become productive, connected members of an organisation. At its most basic, it covers administrative tasks: setting up accounts, completing compliance training, and issuing equipment. At its best, it extends over several months and creates genuine connection to the company's mission, culture, and colleagues.
The quality of onboarding has a direct impact on retention. Research by Brandon Hall Group found that strong onboarding can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. A poor onboarding experience — where new hires feel lost, unsupported, or disconnected — is one of the leading causes of early attrition.
For remote employees, onboarding requires significantly more intentionality than for office-based hires, who have the natural advantage of proximity and informal connection. Effective remote onboarding typically includes a structured "first 30/60/90 days" plan, regular check-ins, a buddy or onboarding partner, and deliberate opportunities to meet teammates virtually.