eCommerce Recruitment: Onboarding strategies to improve employee retention

Within eCommerce recruitment, having a well-structured onboarding process for new employees is crucial. The main challenges don't always lie in talent attraction, but in keeping employees engaged and happy. 

As remote work becomes more prevalent, new skill demands and digital tools evolve, companies must adjust their onboarding approaches to attract, engage, and retain top eCommerce talent effectively. So, how do you kickstart the onboarding process when welcoming a new team member?

The process has evolved, so we will guide you through key steps to help employees feel welcome and make a lasting impression on their career journey within the business.

Top tips for onboarding eCommerce employees

Of course, each company will have different approaches depending on team size and the resources available. The main advice is to adapt and provide what you can to make a new employee feel welcome and clued up on everything they need to know!

Prepare for the first day

Before the new member of the team even starts, get prepared so that the first day is seamless. Set up the laptop, phone and other tech they will be needing. It's a great chance to set out a schedule for the first week that keeps them busy, engaged and meeting as many people as possible. Between role-specific training, allow them an hour to meet another department so they can embrace the culture and meet plenty of colleagues. You do not want them to have any moments where they are not sure what they should be doing! One top tip is to assign a buddy/mentor who can oversee this schedule and be on hand to answer questions.

Personalisation matters

Whether it's in eCommerce or recruitment, individuals connect better with customised experiences. Each eCommerce professional possesses distinct skills, demonstrating the necessity of tailoring onboarding programs to suit individual requirements. Prioritising personalized training and development plans that correspond with individual career aspirations is crucial during onboarding. It can help speed along employee growth while fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Supercharge the process with AI & automation

Utilising AI can simplify the process of customising employee onboarding experiences. AI-powered tools can streamline administrative duties like HR or provide access to systems, freeing up new hires to engage in more impactful tasks right from the start. Additionally, this approach enables a better focus on the individual needs of each new team member. It will also allow management to keep up with their workload while still giving the new starters the attention they need.

The hybrid working approach

For employees working in a hybrid work capacity, offering a glimpse into the team's remote operations is beneficial. Introducing virtual onboarding initiatives utilising video conferencing, online collaboration tools, and interactive training modules can enhance new hires' sense of connection. Even if it's just a day during their initial week, they can understand how they remain integral to the team when they work remotely.

Continuous feedback - it's a two-way street!

A great way to further establish the company culture is to introduce an environment where feedback is frequent, constructive and welcome! This first week or two is great for management to provide feedback on how training is going. However, the new employee should immediately feel confident to also ask questions and give their own feedback on current processes. Let them feel empowered enough to join the conversation and show they can have a positive impact both short term and long term. 

Are you hiring eCommerce talent?

How can we help you? If you’re looking for a new role with a forward-thinking business, check out our latest eCommerce jobs. If you are hiring talent, click below to reach out to the team!