Human-Centered Onboarding

🙋‍♂️ Ever felt imposter syndrome on Day One of a new job?

You're not alone — 65% of us have, 22% say it dragged down our first-week performance, and ~50% experienced some sort of physio-emotional response 🥴 (Forbes).

So, dear HR peers, just when we're hitting new hires with the onboarding content we're super proud of, often many folks aren't in the best state to absorb it.

lululemon nailed this for me. Grounded in the brilliant work of Susanne Conrad, on Day One, my regional manager had me map a ten-year vision and back-plan personal, health + career goals. It signaled from the very start: “We're not just interested in what you can do for our brand. We're invested in you as a whole person."

I felt seen, valued, and I dove into my new role wholeheartedly.

That feeling really stuck with me. So when I became On's first Head of Global L&D, we revamped Day One to include a values conversation — immediately after highlighting On's values — helping new joiners identify their core values, explore where they intersect with the brand's, and use them as a developmental compass for their journey with us (special shoutout to Yana Romlein + Dr Rachele Airoldi Asturias who delivered this upgrade beautifully).

• 93% of orgs believe belonging drives performance
• Yet only 13% feel ready to address it (Deloitte)

But when onboarding emphasizes belonging:
• 42% feel more engaged
• 40% see increased productivity
• 32% would recommend the org (Enboarder)

So it's not only a beautifully human conversation at the start. It’s also smart business.

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This photo is from Offbeat Sparks Berlin, where I joined 8 brilliant L&D minds from our Berlin community, all sharing 5-minute POVs on topics they're experts in.

Shoutouts to my peers for inspiring us that evening: Rob D. Willis, Nina Haber, Svitlana Kulynych, Silvia Heredia Minthorne de Kläner, Vanessa Christina D., Brenda Irala and particularly to Li-hsien & Alexandra who gave two talks I found especially inspiring on Multigenerational Belonging + The Development Power of Volunteering, respectively.

Big thanks also to Lisa-Noreen, Marina Doronkina and the Lucanet team for stellar coordination & hosting. (📸 - my amazing Zalando buddy & peer, Marília Lobo)