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Writer's pictureJordann Bone

The High Cost of Poor Onboarding: Why Investing in Professional Processes Pays Off

Onboarding isn’t just another HR task—it’s a critical investment that lays the foundation for an employee’s journey with your company. But here’s the catch: many mid-sized businesses still rely on outdated, underwhelming onboarding processes that fall flat. When new hires aren’t properly engaged or equipped from day one, the financial consequences sneak up fast—billions of dollars slip through the cracks every year due to high turnover and lost productivity.


In this post, we’re unpacking the hidden costs of poor onboarding and revealing how a strategic, digital-first approach can transform onboarding from a burden into a business advantage.


Outdated vs. Modern Onboarding Approaches


Traditional Onboarding: outdated

  • Prioritizes paperwork, static presentations, and outdated classroom-style training.

  • Focuses on ticking compliance boxes rather than setting new employees up for success.

And the financial toll? It's no small matter. Companies without effective onboarding can lose up to 300% of an employee’s salary in turnover costs and lost productivity. When the focus stays on forms instead of the future, everyone loses.


Digital Onboarding: Built for Today’s Workforce

  • Leverages streamlined, engaging, and scalable processes to boost retention, productivity, and engagement.

  • Companies using digital onboarding see 50% higher productivity from new hires, with 78% of employees reporting that a positive onboarding experience improves their perception of the company.


But not all digital onboarding is created equal. Without a clear strategy, even modern programs can stumble, leading to the same costly pitfalls—disengaged employees, high turnover, and lost productivity.

The Payoff of Doing it Right Here’s the good news: when onboarding is done well, it pays off in a big way. Companies with robust training programs see a 24% higher profit margin—and 69% of employees are more likely to stick around for at least three years after a strong onboarding experience.

Don't miss the full picture

The hidden costs of poor onboarding are real, but the solution is well within reach. A strategic, digital-first onboarding process—designed by experts—can turn what feels like a chore into a powerful growth tool for your business.


Want to dive deeper? Our latest white paper breaks down the financial impact of poor onboarding and offers actionable steps to transform your onboarding process into a driver of retention and productivity.


Ready to make the switch? Access the full interactive white paper HERE and start turning onboarding into your company’s secret weapon for long-term success.


Prefer a PDF? Download it below.



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