The Truth About Onboarding (That No One Talks About)
Let’s be honest—onboarding can be a bit like a first date. You’ve already wooed the candidate with a compelling job description, promised them the moon in the interview, and now it’s time to deliver. But here’s the catch: onboarding isn’t just about paperwork and training videos. It’s about making new employees feel like they belong.
This is where employee testimonials come in. Think of them as the company’s Yelp reviews—except instead of judging the office coffee, new hires get a sneak peek into the real employee experience. Done right, these testimonials can transform onboarding from a boring orientation into a warm welcome. But how do you use them effectively? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article.
Why Employee Testimonials Matter in Onboarding
Building Trust from Day One
New employees are stepping into the unknown, and skepticism is natural. Employee testimonials act as social proof, reassuring them that they’ve made the right decision. Research shows that 92% of people trust peer recommendations over company statements (Source: Nielsen).
Strengthening Company Culture
A strong company culture isn’t built with mission statements alone. Employee testimonials offer a human perspective, showing how real employees experience the workplace values in action.
Boosting Engagement and Retention
According to Gallup, employees who have a great onboarding experience are 2.6 times more likely to be satisfied with their workplace. Testimonials can add authenticity and emotional connection, making the onboarding process more engaging.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Ever accepted a job only to find that the reality didn’t match the promise? Employee testimonials can prevent this by offering realistic insights into daily work life, team dynamics, and growth opportunities.
Best Practices for Using Employee Testimonials in Onboarding
Choose the Right Employees to Share Testimonials
Not every employee testimonial will resonate with new hires. Pick employees who:
- Have diverse backgrounds and roles to showcase inclusivity
- Are enthusiastic about the company
- Have been through challenges and can share how the company supported them
For example, a testimonial from a junior employee can reassure interns and entry-level hires, while a manager’s story can inspire leadership-track employees.
Make It Personal and Authentic
A robotic, scripted testimonial won’t have the desired effect. Instead:
Use natural language – “I was nervous at first, but my team made me feel welcome.”
Encourage storytelling – “I remember my first day; I spilled coffee on my desk, and my manager laughed it off.”
Show personality – “One thing I love? Our Friday ‘meme wars’ in Slack!”
Use Multiple Formats
Different employees absorb information in different ways. Instead of just written testimonials, mix it up:
- Video testimonials (short clips of employees sharing their experiences)
- Podcast-style interviews (casual conversations about company culture)
- Case studies (long-form stories on employee growth)
- Social media snippets (quick quotes with employee photos)
Integrate Testimonials Throughout the Onboarding Process
Don’t just slap a testimonial on the welcome page and call it a day. Use them strategically:
- In the offer letter email to reinforce excitement
- During orientation sessions to break the ice
- On the company intranet for easy access
- In training modules to make learning relatable
Keep It Updated
A five-year-old testimonial about an outdated work process won’t help. Regularly refresh testimonials to reflect the current employee experience.
Real-Life Examples of Effective Employee Testimonials in Onboarding
Google: Humanizing the Workplace
Google incorporates short, fun employee videos in its onboarding process. New hires hear from employees at different levels, making them feel connected to the company’s culture from day one.
HubSpot: Storytelling That Inspires
HubSpot uses detailed written and video testimonials focusing on career growth. Employees talk about their journeys from entry-level roles to leadership, showing new hires that long-term growth is possible.
Airbnb: A Culture of Belonging
Airbnb leverages testimonials to highlight inclusivity and employee empowerment, ensuring that new hires feel they’re joining a company that values diversity.
FAQs
How do I encourage employees to give testimonials?
Start by asking employees who are naturally enthusiastic about the company. Offer incentives like recognition in company meetings or small perks.
What should an employee testimonial include?
A great testimonial should cover:
Why they joined the company
Their onboarding experience
How they feel about the work culture
Can employee testimonials be repurposed for other HR initiatives?
Absolutely! Use them in recruitment campaigns, social media posts, internal newsletters, and even performance review discussions to boost morale and engagement.
Can negative testimonials be useful?
Absolutely. A testimonial about overcoming challenges (with company support) can be more impactful than a purely positive one.
What if an employee leaves after giving a testimonial?
It happens! If their story is still relevant, keep it. Otherwise, replace it with a fresh perspective.
What mistakes should be avoided?
Over-polishing testimonials
Using only senior employees
Making them too generic
Not tracking their impact
Turning Onboarding into a Meaningful Experience
Onboarding shouldn’t feel like a corporate checklist—it should feel like a warm welcome into a thriving workplace. Employee testimonials are a powerful tool to make new hires feel at home, set realistic expectations, and build trust from day one.
By carefully selecting, personalizing, and strategically integrating testimonials, companies can enhance engagement, improve retention, and create a workplace where employees don’t just work—they belong.
So, are you ready to make onboarding an unforgettable experience? Start collecting those testimonials today!
