4 Insights from 256 Studies in Employee Onboarding

A brand-new meta-analysis by Talya Bauer PhD and Berren Erdogan PhD (covering 256 studies!) reveals just how critical it is to kickstart employees on the right foot and the factors that drive great results.

Here are the highlights from the analysis:

1. Proactive People Shine

Employees who take initiative — by asking questions, seeking feedback, and networking — tend to learn faster, perform better, and remain motivated. Encouraging this proactive spirit from day one can dramatically boost your onboarding outcomes.

2. It Takes a Village to Onboard

Feeling welcomed by colleagues is key. When newcomers sense genuine support from peers and leaders, their confidence grows, and they integrate more smoothly into the company culture.

3. "Fit" Is Everything

"Fit" really matters. When employees' values mesh with organizational values, they're more likely to experience a stronger sense of belonging, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intentions.

4. Insider Support Wins

Mentors and supportive colleagues empower newcomers to reach their full potential.

Core Takeaway

This study confirms that structured processes with support from people and individual initiative together fuel successful onboarding.

How Preppio Helps You Achieve a Science-Driven Onboarding Program

The 6Cs of onboarding framework is a good place to start if trying to build an engaging onboarding program that truly connects new hires with managers, buddies and the company mission.

At Preppio, we've got the tools and proven strategies to help you create a welcoming, effective onboarding experience — cutting down early turnover and boosting retention.