Avoid common onboarding mistakes: a guide for employee integration.

Arabella Favetti • October 1, 2023


Onboarding is a critical process for integrating new employees into your organization. Employers can make several mistakes during this process that can hinder the employee's integration and productivity. 

We recently sent out a poll asking job seekers what they consider to be a bad onboarding experience when joining a new company. Out of 1000 people, 45.3% said that due to poor onboarding at a recent job, they resigned soon after. 

Here are the top three mistakes employers often make when onboarding new staff: 

Lack of orientation: 
Failure to provide a comprehensive orientation can leave new hires feeling lost and unprepared. Employers should introduce new employees to the company culture, policies, procedures, and their specific job responsibilities. Lack of clarity in these areas can lead to confusion and frustration. 

Lack of Clear Communication: 
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Employers should establish clear expectations, timelines, and goals for the onboarding process. Regular check-ins and open channels of communication help address any questions or concerns that may arise. 

Rushing the Process: 
Trying to onboard new staff too quickly can overwhelm them and lead to mistakes. Employers should provide a structured onboarding timeline that allows new hires to acclimate to their roles gradually. Rushing can also lead to important details being overlooked. 

Additionally, employers should remember that onboarding is not a one-size-fits-all process. Tailoring the onboarding experience to each employee's background and needs can greatly improve their satisfaction and effectiveness in the organization. It's also essential to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout the onboarding process to foster a sense of belonging and engagement among new staff members. 

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Leanne Lazarus April 23, 2025
A strong safety culture is critical to reducing risk and promoting wellbeing in Australian workplaces. With 40% of workers exposed to moderate to high psychosocial risks, organisations must move beyond basic compliance to foster environments where employees feel genuinely safe and supported. In this blog, people2people’s Leanne Lazarus speaks with legal and safety experts Jonathan Mamaril and Nettie Herselman on how businesses can embed safety-first thinking into their culture. Discover practical tips for leadership, internal compliance, and strategic planning to build a resilient, engaged workforce. Is your organisation doing enough to protect both the physical and psychological safety of its people?
By Mark Green April 9, 2025
With 68% of Australian workers worried about potential redundancies, job security is now a top priority—especially in tech sectors across NSW and WA. In this blog, people2people’s Mark Green explores how employee preferences have shifted from salary-driven goals to long-term stability. As uncertainty grows, businesses must adapt by fostering transparent communication and building trust. We also share essential tips for leaders navigating redundancy conversations with empathy and strategy. Want to know how to retain top talent and protect your employer brand during uncertain times? Discover how to support your workforce and strengthen loyalty in today’s cautious job market.
By Mark Green April 7, 2025
As return-to-office mandates rise across Australia, many leaders face the challenge of balancing productivity with employee preferences. In this blog, Mark Green from people2people and Maja Paleka from MPC unpack the drivers behind these mandates, their impact on engagement and retention, and why forcing full-time office returns may backfire. With hybrid work models proving effective for many, forward-thinking businesses are seizing this moment to attract top talent and build trust-based cultures. We also share practical tips for leaders navigating this shift in 2025. Wondering how to future-proof your workplace without losing your best people? Read on to find out more.
By Suhini Wijayasinghe March 31, 2025
Millennials are now leading teams made up of both older and younger generations—but how do they bridge the gap between Baby Boomer values and Gen Z expectations? In this blog, we explore leadership in a multigenerational workforce with insights from Ramp Fitness co-founder Matthew Papalo. From building scalable systems to fostering community and wellbeing, discover how modern leaders are adapting to new workplace demands. If you're a millennial manager (or aspire to be one), this is your guide to leading with resilience, empathy, and innovation. Want to know the key to staying ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond?
By Aiden Boast March 26, 2025
Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone—60% of workers are staying in roles longer than they’d like due to financial concerns and fear of instability. Yet, 66% believe a career change could make them happier. In this blog, people2people’s Aiden Boast unpacks recent data revealing why so many professionals are hesitant to move on, despite growing demand for skills-based hiring and flexible work options. Learn practical tips for overcoming career stagnation, leveraging your transferable skills, and taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling role. Could now be the perfect time to rethink your career path? Read more to find out.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us