Securing a great candidate is a milestone worth celebrating. After all the time and effort spent recruiting, getting that “yes” feels like the hard part is over. But what happens next is just as important, and many companies unintentionally lose great hires in the days and weeks that follow.
The period between offer acceptance and a new hire settling into their role is a crucial window. At 1st Choice, we regularly speak with employers across Milton Keynes, Wyboston, Chester and Bedford about this gap and how it can make or break a new employee’s experience. Too often, employers go quiet after the contract is signed, assuming everything is locked in. But candidates, especially those still finishing up a previous role or being courted by other companies, may start to feel unsure. A lack of communication can lead to second thoughts or even last-minute dropouts.
Even when new starters do show up on day one, their impression of the business is still forming. If their equipment isn’t ready, if they are left unsure about expectations, or if no one takes the time to properly welcome them, their confidence can quickly drop. First impressions aren’t just about making people feel good. They play a huge role in shaping long-term engagement and performance.
A thoughtful onboarding experience can change everything. When new employees feel informed, welcomed and supported, they settle in faster, build relationships more easily, and start contributing with confidence. In contrast, confusion or disorganisation sends the opposite message. It makes new starters feel like an afterthought.
We often hear from businesses that are frustrated by early turnover. They invest time and resources into hiring, only for new team members to leave within the first few months. In many cases, this isn’t about the job or the salary. It’s about how the person felt in those critical early days. A poor onboarding process can plant seeds of doubt that are hard to shake.
At 1st Choice, our role doesn’t end with placement. We check in with both clients and candidates after the start date and provide practical advice on making the onboarding experience more effective. Simple actions like keeping communication open before day one, preparing resources in advance, and offering consistent support during the first few weeks can make all the difference.
If your business is seeing new hires walk away too soon, your onboarding process could be part of the problem. Improving this stage not only protects your investment in recruitment. It helps turn new starters into long-term team members who feel valued from the start.
Contact us today at 1st Choice to learn more about how we can help you improve your onboarding process and secure the best talent for your business.
