An effective onboarding program that highlights learning opportunities can help improve retention rates and reduce cost associated with employee turnover.
Many managers forget to discuss learning opportunities and the role that education plays in employee retention.
For many companies, the focus of onboarding is usually to convey whatever is needed to achieve maximum productivity from a new hire, but in the briefest time possible.
Naturally, you want a new employee to become fully integrated and acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the job. Consider that onboarding is an important part of achieving those goals.
However, the onboarding process should not be all about company needs and expectations. Workers who feel appreciated and engaged are happier, and appreciated workers are more productive. One of the best ways to show employees that you appreciate them is to make sure they understand the company will support opportunities for their career growth.
Onboarding is the perfect time to start delivering that message.
The key word is "start." The message is not a one-time communication - to be effective you must deliver it repeatedly throughout an employee's tenure. It must be more than a policy outline in an employee handbook or a flyer in the breakroom. Companies that want employees to take learning opportunities seriously must show a seriousness about providing them.
As an example, assume an onboarding process of 12 months. Here are ways to incorporate learning:
Enlist the help of one or more of the employee's peers who can provide insight and encouragement during the onboarding process. For example, if your new hire has a family and no college credits, ask a current employee who has earned a degree while successfully meeting personal and professional obligations.
Much of an employee's attitude about your company will be acquired during the onboarding process. This includes his/her perception of the company's commitment to personal growth. If you fail to emphasize skills enhancement, chances are that the employee will place little emphasis on them as well. The onboarding process, therefore, is the ideal time to begin the process.