The beginning of a new employee’s work journey is an important moment both for the company and for those taking on a new professional challenge. In addition to involving emotions such as anxiety and excitement about starting at a new company, it is also a decisive stage to build an emotional connection and create a solid foundation for long-term employee engagement.
According to Gisele Pedroso, founder of Agência Bloga, a company specialized in Endomarketing and Corporate Happiness, an onboarding process, an English term that means embarking and defines the integration of a new employee into the company, goes beyond a simple introduction.
“A well-structured onboarding is not only a moment to expose the company’s policies and fill out documents. It is about creating unforgettable experiences that positively mark the beginning of a new professional stage. It is a strategic activity for companies that wish to retain talent and strengthen organizational culture,” she explains.
According to the executive, research shows that an effective onboarding increases the retention of new employees by up to 82% and raises their productivity by over 70%. “Studies show that the first 90 days are crucial in determining whether the employee will continue at the company. Onboarding is a moment that contributes to the motivation and engagement of the employee, as it reinforces their role in the company and creates a sense of belonging from the outset. In this way, employees become more committed and aligned with the organization’s goals from day one of work.”
Learning Curve
For Gisele, in today’s competitive job market, providing a memorable onboarding experience is a competitive advantage for companies. “In the short term, this strategy speeds up the learning curve, allowing the employee to contribute more quickly to the team’s goals. In the long term, it reduces turnover, as it creates a positive initial experience that helps the employee feel valued,” she concludes.
Role of Endomarketing
Endomarketing is essential to create an internal communication aligned and engaging during onboarding. It ensures that key messages about culture, values, and benefits are communicated clearly and creatively. It also promotes actions such as welcome campaigns, integration events, and visual materials that reinforce the sense of belonging.
“Some actions are essential to turn the employee’s first day into a memorable experience. At Bloga, we propose to our clients a prior preparation to ensure that all necessary resources are ready even before the employee arrives. On the first day, we envision welcoming activities, such as a morning welcome coffee and a tour of the company. The presentation of the corporate culture is done through workshops, videos, or interactions with leadership, explaining the values, mission, and vision of the company. Finally, it is important to have continuous follow-up, ensuring that the employee is prepared for their responsibilities, that their doubts are clarified, and their progress is assessed,” she comments.
Innovative Practices
According to Gisele, endomarketing strategies for personalized onboarding with innovative practices. ‘Activities range from presenting the company’s history with virtual reality goggles to welcome kits that include items like inspiring books, cards signed by the team, and exclusive company materials. Gamification is also being used to create challenges and rewards for new employees, making learning more fun,’ she emphasizes.
Onboarding Day
The founder of Bloga also highlights that some companies are implementing Onboarding Day, a special day to welcome new employees, with workshops, lectures, and moments of relaxation. ‘Integration with the team can be done through dynamics or informal events, such as happy hours. Additionally, some companies adopt mentorship or buddy programs, assigning an experienced colleague to guide the new employee. Companies also use interactive platforms to track progress and offer support during the first few months,’ she concludes.
