Solidify Your Onboarding Process
Customer retention, employee retention - they are both very important when looking at statistics that affect your shop’s profits. Just as it is more cost effective to sell to existing customers than it is to pour money into bringing in new customers, the same can be said for keeping your current employees. It costs 33% of an employee’s salary just to replace them, according to Employee Benefit News (EBN). One key to employee retention is getting them started off on the right foot. This can include preparing for their orientation, giving them a thorough walk through the shop, meeting with important department heads, training, and a scheduled follow up.
True, the new hire’s journey with you may begin with orientation, but there are also tasks that need to be completed prior to their first day on your behalf. You want to avoid having to gather any documents or materials in a haste in front of them. If you want them to be prepared, you need to set an example. Get them setup as an employee in AutoFluent® prior to orientation, along with other tools such as computers, handheld devices, training materials.
Map out a personal and thorough walkthrough of your building and cover the grounds during orientation. Make sure you give them a chance to meet managers and HR. One tip is to assign a ‘buddy’ or a trainer to them so they know exactly who to go to with their questions. Once their schedule is set, contact AutoFluent® to schedule a training session with AutoFluent® Support so that they get proper training before handling your precious database. You can also give them directions on how to contact AutoFluent® Support on their own. AutoFluent® Support hours are Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm PT.
After 3 weeks, schedule a check-in with the new hire. Scheduling this is recommended so they are prepared for the meeting and gather their thoughts ahead of time. Give and receive feedback, draw attention to any bad habits that have been forming, and reinforce that you are there to help them succeed. According to EBN, 22% of employees leave their workplace because of lack of career development from their employer. Therefore, providing continued professional development avenues for all staff members should be seriously considered.