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.

Integration at Loranger Marcoux: a unique and enriching experience (Kamilia’s experience)

I arrived in Montreal a little over a year ago and was fortunate enough to join the Loranger Marcoux law firm. As a lawyer trained and practicing in France, I knew that this experience would be different, but I had no idea how enriching it would be, both professionally and personally.

From the moment I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received. I was immediately integrated into the team, not only through my daily work, but also thanks to the many initiatives put in place by the firm. The welcome breakfast, the regular activities, and the Christmas party, worthy of the biggest events, are all moments that allowed me to forge strong bonds with my colleagues and feel truly at home. I was even named Person of the Year in 2024!

Beyond the activities, what struck me most was the difference in mentality. Here, I discovered a more open, caring, and collaborative approach than what I was used to in France. I also noticed how much the firm truly cares about the well-being of its employees. Little by little, I was given more and more assignments and mandates, and I loved it.

This kindness and stimulating work environment naturally encourage us to give our best and take more initiative. The experience has not only allowed me to consolidate my knowledge, but also to enjoy memorable moments, such as when one of my lawyers, Ms. Paquette-Trudeau, invited me to accompany her to an arbitration hearing, which was a particularly formative opportunity.

Today, I can say that I have never had such a fulfilling job. The firm’s dynamism, the diversity of the cases, but above all the human richness of the team make me feel fully integrated and happy to be growing here.

Joining Loranger Marcoux has been an exceptional professional and personal experience, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside my colleagues in this wonderful Canadian adventure.

Kamilia