One of the most important things I learned that really stuck with me from this course is the importance of onboarding and employee retention. Before taking this class, I thought onboarding was just about paperwork and maybe a quick introduction to the team. I didn’t realize how much of a difference it can make in how long someone stays at a company and how connected they feel to their work. Now I see onboarding as a critical step that sets the tone for someone’s entire experience with an organization.
What stood out to me the most is that onboarding isn’t just about the first day or week. It’s about helping new employees feel supported, included, and clear on what’s expected of them. The first 90 days are especially important, employees are deciding if they feel like they belong and if they can see themselves growing with the company. I thought it was interesting that the biggest factor in how long someone stays with a company is their relationship with their immediate manager. That really shifted my thinking. It showed me that onboarding isn’t just an HR responsibility, it’s also something managers need to be deeply involved in.
I also learned about best practices for onboarding, like creating clear 30-60-90 day plans, assigning mentors, and checking in regularly. What I found most helpful was the idea that onboarding should be structured but also personal. Everyone comes into a job with different experiences and needs, and the best onboarding programs recognize that and help people feel seen and supported from the start.
This topic is important to me because I’m getting ready to enter the workforce, and I want to be someone who helps others feel welcome and set up for success. I also now know what to look for when I’m starting my new job, if the onboarding feels rushed or unclear, that might be a sign that the company doesn’t invest in its people the way it should. In the future, I want to take what I’ve learned and use it to help build strong, supportive teams, whether I’m in HR, a leadership role, or just welcoming a new coworker.
