Daily News

View All News

Half of workers experience onboarding mishaps, OfficeTeam survey finds

August 26, 2015

More than half of workers experienced mishaps when starting a new job, according to research released today from staffing firm OfficeTeam. The survey found 54% of workers interviewed said they’ve experienced at least one mishap when starting a new job. For 33% of those surveyed, their computer, phone or security access wasn't properly set up when they arrived. Another 22% said necessary supplies were not provided at the outset.

However, most human resources managers gave their companies high marks when it comes to bringing new employees into the fold: 50% of those polled said their organization’s onboarding process is very effective and 42% stated it’s somewhat effective. Only 6% said their process is not very effective, and only 2% said it is not effective at all.

Workers were asked, “Which of the following, if any, have you experienced when starting a new job?” Their responses:

  • Technology (e.g., computer, phone, security access) wasn’t properly set up: 33%
  • Necessary supplies were not provided: 22%
  • Didn’t receive an overview of the company and policies: 16%
  • Didn’t get introduced to coworkers: 15%
  • Didn’t receive a tour of the office: 14%
  • I haven’t experienced any of these mishaps when starting a new job: 46%

“Many companies focus so much on information-sharing during an onboarding process that they may overlook basic practical needs, such as making sure that a workstation is up and running for the employee,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Every touchpoint during those first days adds to the new staff member’s perception of the organization, so the more you can do to ensure everything runs smoothly, the more positive that impression will be.”

The surveys were conducted by an independent research firm and included more than 300 US workers employed in office environments and more than 300 HR managers at US companies with 20 or more employees.