Avoid common onboarding mistakes: a guide for employee integration.

Arabella Favetti • October 1, 2023

Common Onboarding Mistakes



Onboarding is a critical process for integrating new employees into your organization. Employers can make several mistakes during this process that can hinder the employee's integration and productivity. 

We recently sent out a poll asking job seekers what they consider to be a bad onboarding experience when joining a new company. Out of 1000 people, 45.3% said that due to poor onboarding at a recent job, they resigned soon after. 

 

Here are the top three mistakes employers often make when onboarding new staff: 


Lack of orientation: 
Failure to provide a comprehensive orientation can leave new hires feeling lost and unprepared. Employers should introduce new employees to the company culture, policies, procedures, and their specific job responsibilities. Lack of clarity in these areas can lead to confusion and frustration. 


Lack of Clear Communication: 
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Employers should establish clear expectations, timelines, and goals for the onboarding process. Regular check-ins and open channels of communication help address any questions or concerns that may arise. 


Rushing the Process: 
Trying to onboard new staff too quickly can overwhelm them and lead to mistakes. Employers should provide a structured onboarding timeline that allows new hires to acclimate to their roles gradually. Rushing can also lead to important details being overlooked. 


Additionally, employers should remember that onboarding is not a one-size-fits-all process. Tailoring the onboarding experience to each employee's background and needs can greatly improve their satisfaction and effectiveness in the organization. It's also essential to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout the onboarding process to foster a sense of belonging and engagement among new staff members.

Grow your career and team
Get in touch with Frog Recruitment

Auckland
   I  Wellington


In business since 2002 in New Zealand, Frog Recruitment is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. Located across Auckland and Wellington, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By Frog Recruitment December 28, 2025
Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum, with 85% of organisations now using it in some form. However, challenges around assessment, training and leadership alignment continue to limit consistent adoption. Explore what’s driving the shift and how employers can make skills-based hiring work in practice.
By Shannon Barlow December 21, 2025
Psychosocial safety is becoming central to job security in New Zealand, reshaping expectations around wellbeing, manageable workloads, and leadership responsiveness.
By Frog Recruitment December 7, 2025
A clear, practical guide to understanding post-employment obligations in New Zealand, exploring restraints, non-solicitation and non-dealing clauses, and how employers can protect their business while staying compliant.
By Shannon Barlow December 7, 2025
Explore how evolving job scope, also known as ghost growth, is reshaping employee expectations and workplace dynamics, and learn practical strategies for recognising and supporting modern role evolution.
By Shannon Barlow November 30, 2025
A clear and practical overview of why burnout is rising across New Zealand, what workers are experiencing, and the steps leaders can take to strengthen wellbeing, connection, and resilience within their teams.

Latest PR features