The Preboarding Advantage: Building Loyalty and Boosting Retention in Behavioral Healthcare 

The fight for top talent is fierce in the demanding world of healthcare. High turnover rates disrupt service delivery and ultimately impact patient care. While onboarding receives significant attention, the preboarding phase is just as crucial in setting the stage for a positive employee experience. Effective preboarding significantly enhances retention and satisfaction, making it a cornerstone of the onboarding journey. 

What is Preboarding? 

Preboarding includes the activities and engagement that bridge the gap between a candidate’s acceptance and their first day. This phase focuses on preparing new hires for their roles and integrating them into the company culture before they officially begin. 

Preboarding vs. Onboarding: Early Engagement Matters 

We see onboarding as the entire new hire integration process, while preboarding specifically targets the initial phase. The right kind of early engagement sets good expectations, fosters connections, and ensures new hires feel welcomed and prepared from day one. 

Why Early Engagement is Key 

Early preboarding engagement sets the tone for the entire employment experience. It reduces first-day anxiety, fosters a sense of belonging, and increases new hire commitment. Research highlights the impact: 28% of employees who leave a company within the first 90 days of employment cite a poor preboarding experience as a significant factor in their decision to quit. 

The Cost of Poor Preboarding 

Inadequate preboarding leads to several common issues: 

• Communication Silos and Information Gaps:  The amount of steps in the behavioral healthcare preboarding process can be overwhelming.  New hires feel lost without clear communication and essential details before their start date. 

• Administrative Headaches: Delays in paperwork and account setup can cause frustration and disrupt the onboarding flow. 
• Disconnection and Disengagement: The administrative process can take away from the excitement of the offer.  Without early engagement, new hires may feel undervalued and isolated, leading to a lack of commitment. 

Building a Preboarding Program that Sticks 

The Power of Clear Communication 

Providing essential information about the role, company policies, and culture is paramount. Regular check-ins and updates before the start date keep new hires informed and engaged. 

Equipping New Employees for Success: Resource Provision 

Sharing relevant materials – like handbooks, training schedules, and organizational charts – equips new hires with the knowledge they need to thrive and gets them excited about their new employer. 

Building Connections: Fostering a Sense of Belonging 

Introducing new hires to their team members and mentors before their first day builds relationships and fosters a sense of belonging. Early interactions through virtual meetings or social events can be particularly effective. 

Personalized Touchpoints: Demonstrating Investment 

Tailoring the preboarding experience to individual needs shows that the organization values each new hire and is invested in their success.  

Creating a Winning Preboarding Plan 

Develop a preboarding plan with a timeline, key milestones, assigned responsibilities, and stakeholder involvement. This structured approach ensures all necessary steps are covered. 

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 

Utilize onboarding platforms and communication tools to streamline the preboarding process, making it more efficient and effective. 

Key Metrics to Track Success 

Track new hire retention rates, time-to-productivity, and employee satisfaction and engagement scores to understand the effectiveness of your preboarding process. 

Data-Driven Decisions: Building a Case for Investment 

Analyze data to make informed decisions and demonstrate the value of preboarding. This helps build a case for continued investment in this critical phase. 

The Right Preboarding Solution Is A Valuable Investment in Your Workforce 

Effective preboarding plays a pivotal role in enhancing employee retention and satisfaction. By focusing on clear communication, resource provision, building connections, administrative preparation, and personalized touchpoints, behavioral healthcare organizations can create a smooth and engaging start for new hires. Investing in robust preboarding programs not only reduces turnover but also sets the foundation for long-term success and employee loyalty. As the labor market continues to evolve, the importance of preboarding will only grow. Healthcare organizations are encouraged to prioritize this early engagement phase to create a more committed and satisfied workforce, ultimately benefiting both the organization and the individuals they serve. 

Embrace the Preboarding Advantage: By implementing a strategic preboarding program, you can: 

• Reduce New Hire Turnover: Retain your valuable talent and minimize the disruption and cost associated with high turnover rates. 

• Boost Employee Engagement: Foster a sense of belonging and commitment from day one, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce. 

• Improve Patient Care: A stable and satisfied staff translates to better quality care for your patients. 

• Gain a Competitive Edge: Attract and retain top talent in a competitive market by demonstrating your commitment to employee experience. 

Your Partner in Building a Thriving Workforce 

Xelerate offers comprehensive preboarding solutions designed to help healthcare organizations create a seamless and engaging onboarding journey. We partner with you to develop a customized preboarding program that aligns with your specific needs and culture. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you leverage the power of preboarding to build a thriving and resilient workforce.