Introduction

First impressions matter—especially when it comes to onboarding new employees. The experience a new hire has on their first day sets the tone for their entire journey with your company. A poor onboarding experience can leave them feeling disconnected, but a culture-focused onboarding approach can make them feel like they truly belong.

In fact, research shows that 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experience great onboarding (SHRM). So, how do you create an onboarding experience that helps new employees feel at home from day one?

 

Why First Impressions Matter in Onboarding

New employees are evaluating your company from the moment they walk in (or log in, for remote teams). If they feel ignored, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their role, their confidence in your company will drop. Within the first 90 days, employees decide whether they see a long-term future with your organization.

A well-planned, culture-centric onboarding process ensures that new hires don’t just feel like another number in the system—they feel like part of the team.

 

Step 1: Go Beyond Paperwork

The quickest way to disengage a new hire is by making their first day a paperwork marathon. Yes, HR forms and compliance training are important, but they shouldn’t be the centerpiece of onboarding. Instead, focus on creating an engaging and welcoming experience.

✅ Welcome Video or Personal Message from Leadership – A personalized welcome video from leadership or key team members sets a positive tone.

✅ Company Tour (Virtual or In-Person) – Give new hires a tour of the office or a virtual walkthrough to help them feel comfortable.

✅ Meet-and-Greet with Team Members – Introduce new hires to their colleagues in a structured but informal way. This helps them establish connections right away.

Tip: Send out an announcement before the new hire’s start date so the team knows who they are and can greet them by name!

 

Step 2: Make Culture a Priority

Don’t just tell new hires about your company culture—immerse them in it.

✅ Storytelling Matters – Share the history of your company, why it was founded, and what makes it unique. Employees should feel inspired by your mission.

✅ Cultural Onboarding Activities – Team-building exercises, lunch with leadership, or an interactive session on company values can make onboarding more engaging.

✅ Encourage Open Conversations – Let new hires ask questions, share their thoughts, and discuss how they see themselves fitting into the company.

Example: If collaboration is a big part of your company culture, consider incorporating a small group project into the onboarding process.

 

Step 3: Create a 90-Day Success Roadmap

New employees shouldn’t feel like they’re figuring things out alone. A structured onboarding roadmap helps them stay on track and understand what’s expected of them.

✅ Set Clear Expectations – Provide a job-specific onboarding checklist so new hires understand their responsibilities.

✅ Regular Check-Ins – Have scheduled one-on-one meetings to check on their progress, answer questions, and provide feedback.

✅ Encourage Feedback – Ask new hires what’s working and what could be improved in the onboarding process. Their insights will help you refine the experience for future hires.

Pro Tip: Assign a mentor or onboarding buddy to each new hire. This creates a built-in support system and helps them feel more comfortable in their new role.

 

Step 4: Reinforce Belonging Beyond Day One

Onboarding isn’t a one-day event—it’s an ongoing process. Many companies drop the ball by making onboarding a short-lived experience instead of an intentional, long-term engagement strategy.

✅ Host Monthly Culture Touchpoints – Organize culture-related events or team-building activities beyond onboarding to strengthen employee engagement.

✅ Provide Career Pathway Insights – Help employees visualize their long-term growth within the company by discussing opportunities for advancement.

✅ Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge the progress new hires make in their first few months to keep them motivated.

 

Final Thoughts

A great onboarding experience isn’t about handing a new hire a laptop and a handbook—it’s about making them feel like they belong. When employees feel welcomed, connected to your mission, and set up for success, they’re more likely to stay and thrive in their roles.

At Tootelage, we specialize in creating culture-centric onboarding programs that help businesses retain top talent and build engaged teams. Ready to transform your onboarding process? Book a free consultation today! 🚀