Inboarding is the process that supports employees in acquiring the knowledge, necessary skills and training they require to succeed in their role within their organisation. In a previous article, we discussed the 4 phases of onboarding, and while most companies recognise the need for a well-structured onboarding process, many overlook the importance of inboarding. At GCS Malta, our recruiters discuss why inboarding matters just as much as onboarding.

Inboarding vs onboarding

While both these terms share similar definitions, they still have some differences. Onboarding refers to the process of integrating a new employee into the role, team and company. Contrastingly, inboarding focuses on existing employees.

Typically, inboarding comes into play when:

• employees get promoted
• company culture is evolving
• employees switch departments
• employees switch office locations

Why should companies care about inboarding?

Although often overlooked, inboarding impacts every aspect of the workplace. Here are 5 reasons why inboarding is just as important as onboarding:

1. Reduces turnover and increases retention

With many employees changing jobs more frequently, companies struggle to retain employees. To add fuel to the fire, the cost of replacing one employee can be worth 6 to 9 months' worth of salary. Investing in a well-structured inboarding programme can help alleviate HR's burden of recruiting externally since internal employees are already knowledgeable about the institutions' day-to-day operations due to receiving the necessary training and promotions. At the end of the day, the solution to a high turnover rate is retaining and caring for your existing workforce.

2. Helps to foster productivity and engagement

Providing the necessary guidance and support for educational development helps to improve employees' productivity and engagement levels. When employees feel cared for, they will automatically work harder. In fact, 94% of employees claim that they will stay at a company for longer if they invest in their learning and development.

3. Improves day-to-day operations

With a great inboarding program, employees receive cross-training, improving the efficiency of day-to-day operations. In addition, cross-training allows employees to step in for others when they are sick or have time off, preventing loss in productivity.

4. Prevents workplace inequality

Having a toxic culture at work can result in employees feeling underappreciated. While conflicts at the workplace can arise for a variety of reasons, not giving the same development opportunity to each and every employee can cause tension. Investing in a successful inboarding programme can ensure that the workplace remains a safe and accepting environment since every employee will have the same chance to grow within the company.

5. Ensures smoother internal transitions

One of the best advantages of investing in an inboarding programme is that inboarding creates a plan for internal promotion. Inboarding ensures that when an employee gets promoted or moves department or location, there will always be a plan to follow. This prevents employees from being overwhelmed with the transition and, thus, less likely to resign.  

Why GCS Malta?

At GCS Malta, our exceptional recruitment team offer quick and cost-effective company recruitment services. Searching for your ideal job? Check out our vacancies and contact us today for more information.

Article by Sarah Jane Gauci