Podcast

1. What’s the biggest onboarding myth that HR teams need to drop?
Vivek: Thinking onboarding is about fancy welcome kits and Day-1 events—it’s not. Real onboarding starts when the work does, not when the swag bag arrives.

2. Why are the first 90 days so crucial for long-term retention?
Vivek: Early attrition is 3-4X higher than regular turnover. Employees don’t leave because of bad jobs—they leave because they never truly “fit in” from Day 1.

3. What’s the missing piece in most onboarding programs?
Vivek: Companies focus on role clarity but forget team bonding—and that’s a mistake. Feeling connected to colleagues can make or break retention.

4. How can companies create a real sense of belonging during onboarding?
Vivek: It’s about social integration, not just job training. A buddy program isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a retention strategy. New hires who make a friend at work are far less likely to leave.

5. How does a company’s culture affect how fast a new hire performs?
Vivek: When employees understand how decisions are made and what’s valued, they work faster, better, and with confidence. Otherwise, they spend months second-guessing.

6. What’s a practical way to measure onboarding success?
Vivek: Forget vague surveys—check real outcomes. Do new hires know what’s expected? Are they performing well? Do they feel supported? Onboarding isn’t complete until they’re fully integrated.

7. What’s the one onboarding mistake that leads to early resignations?
Vivek: HR spending big on flashy onboarding and then failing to sustain the experience. If Day 1 is a dream and Day 2 is a reality check, you’ve already lost them.

8. How can companies improve onboarding for remote employees?
Vivek: Traditional onboarding doesn’t work in a remote setup. Customize learning, ensure consistent check-ins, and set clear expectations. The more connected they feel, the more engaged they stay.

9. What’s one thing companies should stop doing in onboarding?
Vivek: Stop rushing the process. Onboarding isn’t a 2-day event—it’s a long-term strategy. New hires should reach full productivity, not just “complete training.

Onboarding isn’t about welcoming new hires—it’s about ensuring they stay and thrive. Listen, engage, and integrate them into your culture—or risk losing them before they even settle in.