Dear Kristy,
How important is onboarding, really? I’ve hired good people before without making a big production out of it, and they managed just fine.
Fair question—and a common one. But just because someone can figure things out on their own doesn’t mean they should have to. Onboarding isn’t about handholding; it’s about providing new hires with the tools, context, and confidence they need to hit the ground running.
Think of onboarding as a recipe. You might luck into a decent cake by winging it, but why risk it when you can follow a proven method that yields great results every time? A thoughtful onboarding process isn’t just beneficial—it’s strategic. It demonstrates to new hires that your company values clarity, communication, and culture from day one.
A strong start leads to increased productivity, greater engagement, and reduced turnover. People don’t want to feel like the “new kid” fumbling through the fridge for lunch. They want to know where things are, who’s who, and what’s expected of them. Onboarding provides that map—and reassures them they’ve made the right choice in joining your team.
So yes, it’s vital. Not only for them—but also for your company’s momentum, morale, and long-term success.
Got a recruiting question or challenge? Write in! Let’s tackle it together.
Kristy Sifford
With a background in flooring and restoration, but the heart and mindset of a teacher, Kristy Sifford tackles the difficult job of recruiting with tact, strategy, and determination. With more than a decade of recruiting experience in our industry under her belt, Kristy brings experience from speaking with thousands of candidates and hundreds of company owners. As founder and CEO of Wylander, she understands what it takes to fill even the toughest roles in the toughest markets, find and attract unicorn superstar players, and create a seamless hiring process for companies and candidates alike. Kristy's background in teaching, flooring, and most recently restoration have resulted in proven hiring and recruiting practices trusted by some of our industry's most elite contractors.
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