Good onboarding key to recruitment and retention - HR expert

Businesses should not take induction and onboarding processes for granted if they want to be successful in recruiting and retaining staff, a HR expert has warned.

Thousands of businesses across the UK are experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis, driven in part by record high employment rates.

With certain skills and qualifications in high demand, Sutton Coldfield specialists HR Caddy say that first impressions can make a significant difference when recruiting and keeping hold of employees.

HR Caddy says that employers not only need to be clear on their policies and expectations during this process but also signpost the help that is on offer to recruits.

“Expectations of the workplace have changed significantly, as have the needs of new starters, ” said Nicola Callaghan (pictured), managing director of HR Caddy.

“With many offices and other workplaces offering flexible and remote working for the first time they have to think how this interacts with the onboarding of new staff, including the policies and handbooks they have in place.

“Equally, those not able to access flexible work arrangements may still have new expectations from their employer, including a greater focus on their development and wellbeing. ”

Nicola explained that an effective induction and onboarding process was key in establishing these “norms ” within a workplace, not only through documentation but also through the establishment of effective HR processes and training amongst managers and supervisors.

She said: “All of us have to adapt in some way to the changing nature of work.

“Those who decide to continue as they have done historically may alienate recruits, and with a very competitive and active job market, employees may decide to vote with their feet. ”

Employees do not have to feel powerless in this situation, she explained.

But they must take ownership of their onboarding processes and improve them so that they strike a balance between the aspirations of new starters and the commercial objectives of the business or organisation.