5 Onboarding Mistakes That Will Make Your New Hire Quit

You may have discovered the secret to finding the best talent, but that means nothing if you don’t know how to retain the people you hire. Developing a positive onboarding experience is a key factor in employee retention, yet some companies fail to give enough attention to this important part of the hiring process. If it’s been a while since your company last evaluated its onboarding process, now may be the perfect opportunity. Take a look below at these 5 common onboarding mistakes that will make your new hire want to resign and read about what you should do instead.

1. Failing to prepare for the employee’s first week

Even if you’re great at improvising, it’s essential to plan your new hire’s first day and week to avoid overwhelming them. This will also help the new hire understand what a typical day and week should look like as well as what is expected of the employee in terms of productivity.

2. Forgetting to introduce the employee to the rest of the team

The remedy to this common onboarding mistake is simple, take time to show the new hire around and introduce them to key team members. These early connections help them feel welcome and supported.

3. Not providing training

Don’t skip training—even experienced hires need guidance on your tools, processes, and expectations. Give a thorough overview of the software, programs, and processes that your company uses. Then ensure success by making sure your employee has all of the resources that will be needed.

4. Failing to connect the role to the bigger picture

Avoid this onboarding mistake by helping new hires to understand how their work contributes to the company’s mission and goals. While it’s important not to overload them with information, helping them see the “why” behind their role can boost engagement and motivation. Early conversations about the company’s values, vision, and how their position supports broader objectives can create a stronger sense of purpose from day one.

5. Failing to provide feedback

The onboarding period is the perfect time to set the right tone. Address mistakes early and constructively. Clear, supportive feedback helps new hires grow—and shows you’re invested in their success. Make sure you also acknowledge and provide positive feedback, so you can avoid when discouraging your new hire with only corrections.

It’s no secret that losing an employee is expensive, costing companies up to 20% of the person’s salary. Don’t let all the money and hard work it took to find the new employee go to waste. Instead, ensure that your onboarding process is working to retain your new hires, not make them want to quit.