The company will never have a second chance to make a good first impression; that is why onboarding is a key step in building a successful collaboration.
Retaining talent is one of the major concerns for companies today. Onboarding is not just a formality: it is a crucial moment that deserves the company’s full attention.
WHAT DOES ONBOARDING A NEW EMPLOYEE INVOLVE?
Onboarding is the process through which a new employee gradually finds their place within the company. It is a comprehensive support process that covers several dimensions:
- Understanding the work environment: the tools, rules, workspaces, and team habits;
- Getting to know colleagues: understanding who to work with, who to reach out to, and how to collaborate effectively;
- Taking ownership of the role: understanding expectations, responsibilities, and how to contribute concretely;
- Discovering the company culture: its values, communication style, and implicit codes.
Successful onboarding also sends a strong message to the new employee: they are expected, valued, and the company is committed to giving them every opportunity to succeed.
WHY IS ONBOARDING SO IMPORTANT?
The numbers speak for themselves: according to an INSEE study, 45% of resignations occur within the first year of employment. Among employees who leave, 28% directly cite a poor onboarding experience as the main reason for their departure. From the company’s perspective, each early departure represents an average cost estimated at €7,000, not including the time spent recruiting, welcoming, and training the new employee. On the other hand, a well-integrated employee is 58% more likely to still be with the company three years after joining.
In summary, successful onboarding helps to:
- Reduce the risk of early departures and improve employee retention;
- Enable employees to settle into their role more quickly and confidently;
- Strengthen engagement and motivation from the very first weeks;
- Promote a positive image of the company that employees will share with others;
- Protect the investment made during recruitment.
Good onboarding is profitable. Above all, it is human.
THE ONBOARDING JOURNEY: HOW IS IT STRUCTURED?
A well-designed onboarding journey cannot be improvised. It is organized into several stages spread over time:
Before Arrival
From the moment the contract is signed, it is possible to create a first connection with the new employee: sending practical information, preparing their workstation, and informing the teams about their arrival. These small attentions already make a real difference.
The First Day
This is often the most memorable stage. It should be prepared and structured: a warm welcome, office tour, team introductions, and delivery of the necessary tools. The goal is simple: for the employee to go home thinking they made the right choice.
The First Weeks
During this period, the new employee truly discovers their role, colleagues, and working methods. A structured onboarding plan, including meetings, department introductions, and training sessions if needed, helps guide the process without making it overwhelming.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Onboarding does not stop after one week. Regular check-ins (after 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) help ensure everything is going smoothly, address any concerns, and make adjustments if necessary. These moments of discussion are valuable for the employee, the manager, and HR alike.
THE ONBOARDING PROCESS AT i2S: PRACTICAL AND PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
At i2S, we have made onboarding a priority. Our belief is simple: every new employee deserves to be welcomed with care, supported from day one, and guided throughout their first weeks.
Our onboarding process is built around several commitments:
- A well-prepared welcome: the workstation is ready before arrival, and future colleagues are informed ahead of time;
- A structured first day: office tour, introductions to the teams, and a welcome booklet containing all the essential information;
- Meetings with different departments: to understand how the company operates as a whole and identify future contacts;
- Close managerial support: managers are present to guide new employees, answer questions, and help them settle in.
MAKING THE FIRST DAY THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT JOURNEY
Onboarding is far more than an administrative step. It is the moment when first impressions are formed and the relationship between an employee and their company begins to take shape. At i2S, we believe this experience should reflect our values: thoughtful, structured, and people-oriented. Because welcoming employees well means retaining them.
We also believe that onboarding is everyone’s responsibility. Informing all employees about the arrival of a new colleague helps encourage interactions from the very first days, both in professional settings and during more informal moments of company life. This collective attention helps create a welcoming and supportive environment, fostering the best possible integration experience for newcomers.