Onboarding in 2025: A Shared Path to Success for Employers

In Australia's fast-evolving job market, onboarding has become more than a formality; it's a strategic opportunity to set both employers and new hires up for long-term success. This blog explores current trends, key insights, and proven practices to help both employer and employee make the most of the onboarding experience.

The Onboarding Landscape: Why It Matters

Recent data underscores the critical role onboarding plays in Australia’s competitive job market:

Employee Turnover: The 12-month average employee turnover rate ending December 2024 sits at 14% nationally, with the public sector experiencing a higher churn rate of 18%. This highlights the challenges employers face in retaining talent across industries.
Job Mobility: In the year ending February 2024, approximately 2.1 million Australians either left or lost their jobs, reflecting a highly fluid workforce where people are actively moving between roles and organisations.
Onboarding Impact: Despite its importance, only 12% of employees feel their company excels at onboarding new hires. Yet, those who do experience effective onboarding are 69% more likely to stay with their employer for three years or more.

These figures send a clear message: effective onboarding is essential to employee retention, engagement, and long-term success.

For Employers: Strategies to Maximise the Onboarding Experience

1. Start onboarding before day one
The employee experience begins as soon as they sign the contract. Keep communication lines open during the notice period with regular check-ins, welcome messages, and helpful materials. This helps build excitement and removes uncertainty.

2. Assign a buddy or mentor
Pairing new hires with a workplace buddy can go a long way in helping them understand company culture, navigate systems, and build confidence. It also creates early social connections that support a sense of belonging.

3. Be clear and structured
Make sure your onboarding process includes a structured plan for the first 30, 60, and 90 days. Outline key goals, learning objectives, and milestones so your new team member knows what's expected and how they’re tracking.

4. Go beyond compliance
While it’s essential to cover policies, systems, and procedures, remember that culture, values, and relationships are just as important. Introduce the company’s mission and values, and highlight how each person contributes to the bigger picture.

5. Check in regularly
Ongoing feedback is key. Schedule time for managers to connect with new hires during the first few months to identify any roadblocks, offer support, and gather feedback on how onboarding could improve.

For Candidates: Making the Most of Your Onboarding Experience

1. Engage Early
Respond promptly to communications from your new employer during the pre-start period. This demonstrates enthusiasm and helps you start building relationships before your first day.

2. Seek Clarity
Don't hesitate to ask questions about your role, responsibilities, and company policies. Understanding expectations early on sets the stage for success.

3. Embrace the Culture
Take the initiative to learn about the company's culture and values. Participate in social events and team activities to integrate smoothly into the organisation.

4. Provide Feedback
Share your onboarding experience with your employer. Constructive feedback can help improve the process for future hires and shows your commitment to the company's growth.

Conclusion: Building a Collaborative Onboarding Experience

Effective onboarding is a shared responsibility. Employers must create structured, engaging programs, while employees should actively participate and communicate. By working together, both parties can foster a productive, satisfying work environment that benefits everyone.

For more insights on enhancing employee experience and successful onboarding, revisit our previous blog post: Enhancing Employee Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Onboarding and Beyond.

Sources & Further Reading

AHRI Work Outlook Report Q1 2024, Australian HR Institute
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Job Mobility (Feb 2024)
NSW Public Service Commission: Onboarding a New Employee
Enboarder: Global Onboarding Engagement Statistics
Think Learning: Onboarding Statistics 2024
Romeo HR: Australian Onboarding Best Practices
SMB Tech: Success Factors in Onboarding

Onboarding in 2025: A Shared Path to Success for Employers and Employees