Welcoming New Talent: Employee Onboarding and Orientation Programs

In a world where companies are fiercely competing for top talent, it’s more important than ever to make sure new employees feel welcomed and get up to speed quickly. That's where structured onboarding comes in it’s like a well-orchestrated welcome party that helps new hires understand their role, bond with their teammates, and feel like they’re part of the “in crowd.” A good onboarding process boosts morale and strengthens commitment, helping employees to settle in and perform better from day one. 

Why Onboarding Matters 

Two key theories highlight why onboarding is such a game-changer. First, Socialization Theory explains that, just like joining a new school, when employees start at a new job, they need to make connections and learn the norms to avoid feeling like an outsider. A robust onboarding process helps new hires quickly adapt to the culture and build meaningful relationships, which can lead to more enjoyable work experience. 

Then there’s the Psychological Contract Theory, which is about the unspoken “agreement” between the employee and the employer. It’s the mutual understanding of job expectations and workplace support. When companies set these expectations clearly right from the start, employees feel valued and are much more likely to stay committed to the organization. 

Dialog Axiata’s Stellar Approach to Onboarding 

Dialog Axiata, one of Sri Lanka's leading telecoms companies, gets it right when it comes to welcoming new employees. Recognizing that the first few days set the tone for an employee’s experience, they kick things off with comprehensive info sessions where new hires get a full overview of the company's vision, culture, and values. Each new employee is paired with an experienced mentor to help them navigate the ropes. It’s like having a friendly guide on the first day of school, showing you around and filling you in on who’s who. Dialog Axiata even goes a step further by gathering feedback from new hires about their onboarding experience, which allows them to continuously improve the process. 

Thanks to their thoughtful onboarding, Dialog Axiata enjoys strong retention rates, as new employees feel engaged and valued right from the start. This results in higher job satisfaction, lower turnover costs, and a team that works better together. When companies invest in structured onboarding, they’re not just helping new hires they’re building a stronger, more cohesive workforce. It’s like setting up a winning team for a championship; if everyone knows their role and feels part of the team, the chances of success skyrocket. 

References: 

• Bauer, T.N. (2010). Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success. SHRM Foundation Effective Practice Guidelines. Available at: https://www.shrm.org [Accessed 5 Nov. 2024]. 
• Graen, G.B. and Uhl-Bien, M. (1995). Relationship-based approach to leadership: Development of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory over 25 years: Applying a multi-level multi-domain perspective. The Leadership Quarterly, 6(2), pp. 219-247. 
• Saks, A.M. and Gruman, J.A. (2014). What Do We Really Know About Employee Engagement? Advances in Management, 7(3), pp. 1-7. 
• Dialog Axiata PLC. (2024). Annual Report 2023. Available at: https://www.dialog.lk/annual-reports [Accessed 5 Nov. 2024]. 
• Van Maanen, J. and Schein, E.H. (1979). Toward a Theory of Organizational Socialization. Research in Organizational Behavior, 1, pp. 209-264. 

How does your organization approach onboarding? What are some ways you’ve seen it done well? 

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going on creating supportive, engaging onboarding experiences!