Why candidate onboarding is so important

Why Onboarding Still Matters: Setting Your Workforce Up for Success

Did you know that onboarding can make or break a worker’s experience with a company? It’s the first true impression of your business; getting it right sets the tone for everything that follows.

A joint study by CareerBuilder and Silkroad Technology found that nearly 70% of workers are more likely to stay with a company for at least three years if they have a strong onboarding experience. On the flip side, 9% have left a business due to poor onboarding.

Here’s why investing in this process is a must, no matter the role, tenure, or contract type.

Onboarding Sets Workers Up for Success

A positive onboarding experience helps workers quickly understand their responsibilities, connect with teammates, and navigate company culture, tools, and policies with confidence.

Workers who are properly onboarded feel more engaged, and engaged workers are five times more likely to stay. They’re also more productive. A Harvard Business Review study reported that structured onboarding programs accelerate productivity by up to 50%.

Of course, not every role has the same learning curve. A junior admin might be ready in days, while a senior leader could require weeks to settle in. That’s why flexible, fit-for-purpose onboarding matters.

Worker Expectations Have Shifted Since the Pandemic

The way we work has changed, and so have expectations. The pandemic ushered in new standards around flexibility, wellbeing, and organisational support. Today’s workers want to feel connected and valued from day one.

For hybrid and remote teams, this shift has also made digital-first onboarding experiences the norm. Sending contracts via mail and scheduling in-person inductions may no longer meet the mark. Workers now expect a seamless, tech-enabled, and inclusive start—wherever they’re located.

A Modern Approach to Onboarding

A good onboarding experience begins as soon as an offer is accepted. Simple gestures like a welcome message, a digital roadmap, or tailored support for a new role can make a big difference.

Today’s best onboarding experiences are human, thoughtful, and highly personalised. This could include delivering a worker’s favourite snacks, building learning around their preferred style, or ensuring early and meaningful contact with teammates.

As Mia Baldock, Talent Acquisition Manager at Vicinity Centres, puts it:
“The human element of onboarding is very important. Consider a worker’s end-to-end experience starting from the recruitment stage.”

Non-Permanent Workers Need Great Onboarding Too

Contingent and contract workers are a vital part of many teams, and they deserve the same clarity, care, and consistency as anyone else.

Too often, onboarding frameworks are designed with permanent roles in mind. But in today’s flexible workforce, setting contractors up with clear expectations, role alignment, and team integration is essential for performance and engagement.

Treating non-permanent workers with the same respect builds trust, boosts productivity, and increases the chance they’ll return for future gigs—or even consider longer-term opportunities with your business.

Oncore’s Commitment to a Better Worker Experience

At Oncore, we’ve supported contract workforces for over 25 years. Founded by contractors, we understand what makes an experience successful from end to end—including onboarding.

That’s why we proudly sponsored the Excellence in Onboarding award at the 2023 Internal Talent Awards. We believe onboarding is more than just a process—it’s a key driver of success, satisfaction, and long-term results.

Want help creating a streamlined onboarding experience for your flexible workforce? Let’s chat about how we can support your contractor success story—right from day one.