High risk, high costs
The Haufe Onboarding Study 2023, for which 775 HR managers and executives were surveyed, shows an alarming picture: 36% of new hires fail before their first day of work. A Deloitte study puts the average fluctuation costs for new appointments at around €14,900 per position – and the trend is rising.
Early turnover costs companies an average of €14,900 per case – and the trend is rising. In addition to recruitment costs, there is also the threat of productivity losses and cultural friction within the team.
Decision factor for top talent
Almost half of all applicants rate the quality of onboarding as a decisive factor in the recruitment process. An unprofessional start can cost high potentials – long before they are on board.
Making success measurable
Onboarding increases employee retention by up to 82% and significantly boosts productivity. Prerequisite: structured processes, clear KPIs and a data-driven alignment of roles, competences and culture.
Maintaining the initial enthusiasm
One particular challenge is to maintain the high level of satisfaction of the first few weeks throughout the entire onboarding process. The study by the German Institute of Marketing shows that 44 per cent of respondents in the final phase (6 to 12 months) gave the overall course of their onboarding phase an average score of 4.75 – an alarmingly poor value.
Digital solutions as support
Despite the challenges, there are positive developments: Most companies have already created a digital solution in the form of an onboarding portal, which helps new employees to obtain basic information on structures, processes and tools and thus at least supports ‘self-directed learning’.
How PINKpro and Beyond.Talent can support you
Innovative tools such as PINKpro from PINKTUM and Beyond.Talent from Pawlik Executive offer customised solutions to optimise the entire onboarding process:
- PINKpro revolutionises learning through AI-supported personalised learning journeys. It supports new employees in developing their human skills in a targeted manner – whether through interactive dialogues or direct feedback in real time. This enables faster integration into the team and sustainable development of personal skills.
- Beyond.Talent relies on data-based recruiting combined with personalised recommendations for onboarding. The Screenfact process is used to analyse implicit personality traits – this ensures that new talent is an optimal fit for the corporate culture (cultural fit). This data flows directly into personalised management recommendations.
Strategic lever for growth and employer branding
Onboarding is no longer an operational detail. If you want to retain talent, you have to deliver from the moment the contract is signed – with an experience that is culturally integrated, empowering in terms of content and digitally scalable. Companies that consistently utilise this lever reduce staff turnover, increase brand attractiveness and thus secure their long-term growth.
