Onboarding Tips to Ensure Your New Hires Stay
The hospitality industry is fast-paced, and high turnover is a common challenge. A well-structured onboarding process can make all the difference in whether new hires feel engaged, confident, and ready to contribute—or whether they leave within their first few months. Research from SHRM suggests that effective onboarding can improve employee retention by up to 82%.
The goal of onboarding isn’t just paperwork and training—it’s about creating a welcoming environment, setting clear expectations, and making employees feel like part of the team from day one.
1. Start Before Day One
Onboarding doesn’t begin on an employee’s first day—it starts the moment they accept the job offer. Sending a welcome email, providing digital paperwork in advance, or even offering a pre-start checklist can help new hires feel prepared.
A study from Harvard Business Review found that companies with pre-boarding initiatives saw higher engagement levels and faster ramp-up times. Simple steps like introducing new hires to their team via email or sharing insights about company culture can make a big impact.
2. Make the First Day Engaging, Not Overwhelming
The first day sets the tone for an employee’s entire experience. While it’s important to cover essential policies and procedures, avoid overwhelming new hires with too much information at once. Instead, balance formal training with interactive experiences like:
- A team lunch or coffee meet-up
- Shadowing a seasoned employee
- A hands-on introduction to the role
Encouraging social connections early on fosters a sense of belonging, which is key to long-term retention.
3. Provide Clear Training and Ongoing Support
New hires should have structured training that covers job-specific skills, customer service expectations, and company values. But training shouldn’t stop after the first week—ongoing support ensures employees continue growing in their roles.
Assigning a mentor or “buddy” can be an effective way to provide continuous guidance. Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
4. Gather Feedback and Adjust
Every team is different, and onboarding should be an evolving process. Regularly checking in with new hires to gather feedback can help identify areas for improvement. Simple pulse surveys or one-on-one meetings can reveal insights into how to refine the experience for future employees.
5. Streamline the Process with StaffedUp
A great onboarding experience starts with a smooth hiring process. StaffedUp helps hospitality businesses attract, hire, and retain top talent by providing a seamless platform for applicant tracking and communication. When hiring is efficient, employers can focus on what truly matters—building a team that stays.
Want to improve your hospitality hiring process? Visit StaffedUp.com to learn more.
