Why great onboarding builds great teams!

How poor induction impacts staff retention

Starting a new job should be exciting - an obvious statement, I'm sure! It should be a fresh chapter, new opportunity, and a chance to grow. But for many people, the reality is very different.

I still remember joining a company years ago where, on day one, there was no manager, no clear plan and no real support. Staff turnover had been high, roles were shifting and departments were understaffed so I was left adrift.

I had prior experience, so it was assumed i could just 'get on the with job, right?' But without proper guidance, clear expectations or even a basic introduction to the company - I quickly felt lost and disconnected - and those first day nerves continued and never fully went away. I struggled to build relationships with colleagues and felt like I'd been left behind before I'd even started.

And I wasn't alone - research shows this is a very common experience.

The link between onboarding and retention

According to EduMe. effective onboarding can improve employee retention by up to 82% - and that isn't just relevant to big organisations.

Yet, despite this, poor or rushed onboarding is still common - particularly in sectors like hospitality, retails and health and social care, where UK staff turnover rates can reach 35-37% (The Access Group).

When new starters don't get the support they need:

• They feel disconnected from the team.

• Productivity takes longer to build.

• Mistakes happen more often.

• And ultimately, many leave within the first six months.

The costs to businesses is HUGE! Not just in recruitment but also in lost time, knowledge, and morale. As a former small business owner, it took me years to refine my induction process for new staff. It involved a large staff handbook, lots of face-to-face training and ensuring my current staff were pitching in too.

Looking back at what I know now, I know that there is a simpler, better way it can be done.

How Emblem Training Solutions can help

At Emblem Training Solutions, we create bespoke, branded digital induction courses designed to make onboarding simple, engaging, and effective. Our learning design approach ensures new starters get the knowledge, confidence, and connection they need – without overwhelming managers or existing teams.

Because when onboarding works, retention improves – and businesses thrive.

Our digital modules are designed to support, not replace, face-to-face training –giving new starters the knowledge and confidence they need before day one. Imagine if, before they even arrived, your new team member already understood your company’s values and mission, knew the basics of their role, and felt prepared to step into the building on their first day.

Accessible, digital onboarding modules - branded and bespoke to your business needs.

Final thoughts

My personal experiences have taught me one thing: first impressions matter! A lack of structure and support in those early weeks can leave lasting damage. But with the right tools and approach, onboarding can transform not just retention but your entire workplace culture.

If you’d like to explore how we can help you improve your onboarding and retention, get in touch.