By Kamilia and Ann Sophie
Onboarding a new employee is not just about handing them a welcome guide. For employers, taking care of a newcomer’s first days and first impressions has become a real strategic lever: talent retention, engagement, company reputation… It all starts on day 1.
The importance of the first days in a new company
The onboarding process is often underestimated by organizations. However, it is a crucial step: several studies show that a bad experience during the first few weeks increases the risk of early departure.
Conversely, a well-structured and human welcome promotes engagement, productivity, and loyalty among new employees.
The limitations of the welcome guide
No matter how comprehensive it may be, a welcome guide alone cannot create a true sense of belonging. Of course, it remains a useful tool for conveying key information (company values, internal policies, etc.), but the onboarding experience must go beyond a simple booklet or PowerPoint presentation.
For an employee to want to fully commit, they must feel expected, welcomed, and supported.
Six concrete actions that make a difference
Here are some simple but often overlooked gestures that can transform the arrival of a new employee into a positive and memorable experience:
1. Prepare the workstation in advance
A configured computer, a clean space, a welcome note… These details demonstrate the company’s professionalism and organization.
2. Clearly present their role and responsibilities
Taking the time to sit down with the employee and clearly explain their tasks, duties, and what is expected of them helps avoid ambiguity and reduces the stress that a new job can cause.
3. Involve the existing team
Immediate colleagues should be informed and encouraged to reach out to the new employee. Creating “human connections” remains the best way to facilitate integration.
4. Appoint a mentor or sponsor
Having a designated contact person makes it easier for the employee to find their bearings and reassures them about minor day-to-day issues.
5. Organize an informal meeting
A breakfast, dinner, or simple shared break can humanize the welcome and break the ice.
6. Follow up regularly
A progress review after a week, then a month, and so on, shows interest in the newcomer’s well-being and allows for adjustments to the integration process if necessary.
The benefits for the employer: much more than a mere formality
Adopting these best practices is not a waste of time: it is a direct investment in talent retention.
A warm and structured welcome significantly reduces the risk of premature departure and improves job satisfaction and reinforces the company’s positive image, both internally and externally.
A well-integrated employee will often become an ambassador for the company, contributing to your employer reputation on social media and other platforms.
All companies want to perform well in their respective fields, but they should also aspire to be an “employer of choice,” as one of our colleagues put it.