In the fast-paced world of events, talent acquisition and retention are top priorities for any successful company. You invest time and resources into attracting the best people, but how are you ensuring they stay with you? The answer lies in a crucial but often overlooked step: onboarding.

 

The High Cost of Poor Onboarding

Studies show a staggering 20% of employee turnover happens within the first 45 days of employment. This equates to lost time, money, and valuable expertise. It can also damage your employer brand, making it harder to attract top talent in the future.

The reasons for this early turnover are clear. Poor onboarding leaves new hires feeling disoriented, undervalued, and unsure of their role. Recent research confirms this, revealing that 10% of employees quit due to an inadequate onboarding experience. This can create additional burden for existing team members who need to pick up the slack, leading to further frustration and potential burnout.

Word travels fast, especially in the close-knit events and hospitality industries, and new hires who have negative onboarding experiences are likely to share their frustrations with others. Candidates are increasingly researching potential employers online and via their own networks, and negative reviews about the onboarding process can deter qualified individuals from applying.

The demographic shift in the workforce also plays a critical role in shaping onboarding strategies. With 31% of Gen Z and millennial job-seekers prioritising positions that offer training and development opportunities, onboarding becomes a vital showcase of an organisation’s commitment to employee growth.

 

Investment in Onboarding Pays Off

The good news is that a well-designed onboarding program significantly improves employee retention. By investing in an effective onboarding process, you can significantly increase employee engagement and productivity and enhance your company’s bottom line.

A well-executed onboarding program leads to:

Increased Engagement

Employees who experience a strong onboarding process are 18 times more committed to their organisation. When new hires feel connected to their role, team, and organisational

mission early on, they are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and alignment. Engaged employees demonstrate higher levels of productivity, contribute innovative ideas, and are more loyal to their employers.

Improved Retention

Studies by Brandon Hall Group found that strong onboarding programs improve new hire retention by a staggering 82%. Additionally, 69% of employees who have a great onboarding experience are more likely to stay with a company for 3 years. By investing in their success and well-being from the beginning, you can reduce turnover and increase talent retention in an increasingly competitive job market.

Enhanced Productivity

Brandon Hall Group’s research shows that strong onboarding programs improve new hire productivity by over 70%. Proper onboarding provides new hires with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to perform their job effectively. By clarifying expectations, introducing company policies and procedures, and facilitating meaningful interactions, employees feel supported and empowered to hit the ground running.

 

The Importance of Onboarding in the Events Industry

As a specialist recruitment agency and executive search firm servicing the events, experiential marketing, hotel, and hospitality sectors, THE MONDAY GROUP know just what it takes to make or break the onboarding process.

During our time working with clients in , we’ve seen a wide variety of good and not-so-good onboarding processes, and we’ve noticed a critical oversight—leaders often underestimate the importance of fostering strong connections with new hires.

Because events are often complex undertakings with tight deadlines, new hires need to feel confident in their abilities and trust their colleagues to deliver on their commitments. Too often, new starters are simply thrown into projects without a well-planned onboarding process that focuses on clear communication, role-specific training, and mentorship.

New hires also need to feel like valued members of the team, not just another cog in the machine. Effective onboarding programs in the event management industry should incorporate team-building activities and opportunities for new hires to get to know their colleagues on a personal level.

 

Creating a Successful Onboarding Strategy

When creating an onboarding program, there are several key things to consider to make it an engaging and successful process for your new hire.

Role-Specific Training

To enable your new hires to thrive, you’ll need to equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in their role. This includes dedicated training sessions on any software used, relevant industry best practices, and safety protocols. You can also connect new hires with department heads or senior colleagues so that they can shadow a more experienced team member on a similar project to learn the ropes.

Support System

Where possible, assign each new hire a dedicated buddy who can provide ongoing guidance and support. This mentor should be a seasoned team member familiar with the specific role and the broader industry landscape. An effective mentor can help new hires navigate challenges, answer questions, and provide valuable insights into company culture and best practices.

Focus on Attachment

The concept of “employee attachment,” pioneered by shcBOND, emphasises the importance of psychological safety and belonging for new hires. New hires, like infants forming a bond with their caregivers, seek security, trust, and acceptance. Your managers become the “primary carers” in this scenario. By prioritising attachment, you foster engagement and motivation in your new hires.

 

Investing in Your People Pays Dividends

Onboarding is not just an HR formality; it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future.

Given this understanding, the onboarding process must be seen through a new lens. It’s not just about filling out paperwork or ticking boxes on a checklist.

It’s about building a foundation of trust and alignment from day one. With a strong onboarding program, you’ll empower your new hires to become valued members of your team, contributing to your success from day one. By prioritising and implementing a well-designed onboarding program, you’ll attract top hires, improve talent retention, and ensure your team is equipped to deliver exceptional results.

Want to learn more? Download  THE MONDAY GROUP’s comprehensive guide to successful onboarding now. We’ve combined our expertise and experience to provide you with practical tips and strategies to ensure your new hires feel welcome, valued, and empowered to excel.

 

This article was originally featured in Spice Magazine as an educational piece for events industry leaders on onboarding, attraction and retention best practices.