Welcome to The Big Squeeze! This edition highlights essential best practices for employee onboarding. Our focus is on improving preparedness and transparency for your employees while adhering to best practices and industry standards. Also in this edition are two spotlights—one on a top candidate for hire and another regarding a new partner in the Tangerine family.

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A well-structured onboarding program is the cornerstone of employee engagement, retention & productivity

Effective employee onboarding helps reduce costly turnover considering that an employee’s decision to stay or leave often forms early in their career. That's why structured new hire onboarding programs are critical to long-term retention and success. Understanding the essential components of a best-in-class onboarding program is key.

Consider the 5 Cs: Clarity, Compliance, Culture, Connection and Check-In, which represent a comprehensive approach to welcoming a new employee, and fully integrating them into the organizational fabric.

Engage new employees from the moment they accept an offer, extending your onboarding efforts beyond the first week, first month and even the first year.

• Tailor the process: Customize onboarding for each new hire's role and needs. This can help new employees feel valued and integrated into the company.
• Send a welcome kit: Provide new hires with a welcome kit including company literature and fun gifts like a branded coffee mug and pen.
• Assign a buddy: Pair new hires with a more experienced employee to help them feel welcome and supported.
• Establish a schedule: Create a plan for each new hire's first week, including tasks to complete and check-ins.
• Communicate: Keep in touch with new hires before, during and after onboarding.
• Set goals: Set realistic goals for new hires and share their professional development plan.
• Collect feedback: Ask new hires for their thoughts on the onboarding process and make improvements based on their input.
• Prepare for the first day: Plan icebreaker and other interactive activities for new hires on their first day.
• Introduce to the team: Help new hires meet their coworkers and get to know the team over lunch.

Effective onboarding can help new employees feel welcome and productive, and it can also help a company attract (and keep!) top talent.

Benefits of leading edge onboarding practices ...

1—Increased Employee Retention and Lower Turnover Costs: Employee turnover is costly—not only in terms of recruitment expenses, but also in lost productivity and morale. According to Gallup, the cost of replacing an employee can be up to two times the annual salary of the position, factoring in the time required to recruit, hire and train a replacement. Investing in employee growth through best-in-class onboarding, professional development and learning opportunities not only helps retain talent, but also shows commitment to employees’ long-term success.

2—Enhanced Productivity and Engagement:

Engaged employees are significantly more productive. Research from the Workplace Research Foundation shows that highly engaged employees are 38% more likely to perform at above-average levels. Training, skill development, and mentorship improve competencies and foster enthusiasm by giving employees the tools to excel in their roles. By dedicating resources to employee onboarding and development, companies not only ensure a more skilled workforce, but also create a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

3—Building a Positive Company Culture and Brand:

A company that visibly invests in its people builds a stronger brand reputation and attracts top talent. A LinkedIn report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their learning and career development. This commitment translates into a positive work culture and becomes a distinguishing factor in attracting prospective employees. With a strong culture of growth and support, your company becomes a magnet for skilled professionals eager to join a workplace where they can thrive.

Investing in your employees’ growth from the outset is a win-win. Not only does it reduce costs associated with turnover, but it also fosters a more productive, engaged and loyal workforce while solidifying your company’s position as a leading place to work.

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Conference Prep Workshop!

Are you attending conferences in 2025? Presenting or speaking at any industry events? I recently attended a virtual event featuring professional speaker and comedienne, Jenn Lederer, who also spoke on the mainstage at last year's National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Annual Conference.

Jenn is a pro at communications and storytelling in particular. She has a fantastic 90-minute workshop, which she can deliver in-person to your teams or virtually. Conference Prep Workshop: How To Be The Most Memorable and Impactful Team at The Event.

This workshop is great for corporate teams (like yours!) that are preparing for a conference as well as leadership teams prepping panels and presentations.

Learn to structure your message for maximum impact, weaving data and narrative to create a compelling brand story and clearly communicate your brand's value. You'll discover techniques for smooth transitions, ensuring a cohesive and flowing presentation that maintains audience engagement.

​Prepare to the most memorable and impactful team at the event!​

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Thank you for your continued partnership. I’m excited to assist with your hiring needs and support your company’s growth with top talent. If you have any questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!​

Best regards,

April Starlight | CEO & Sr Recruiter 💌

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