Study: Priorities of first-year professionals

In July 2024, Headway Executive Search conducted a survey on LinkedIn to better understand the priorities of professionals during their first year in a new role, position or company. With 350 professionals participating, this research sought to answer a key question: ‘If you could only choose one option, what would you consider most important in your first year in your new role/position/company? The options were: a good onboarding, a performance appraisal or that the boss sits down with you.

Survey Results

1. Proximity and Communication with the Line Manager (45%): Professionals indicated as the number one priority to have direct and regular interactions with their supervisors. This result highlights the importance of having regular meetings to receive guidance, feedback and feel support from superiors, which strengthens the sense of belonging and increases confidence in the role.
2. Good Onboarding (46%): A similar percentage of participants highlighted the importance of effective onboarding. Companies that invest in this process achieve a faster and more efficient integration of their employees, facilitating their adaptation to the environment and their responsibilities. It is worth noting that many professionals see onboarding as a process that should include close interactions with their direct supervisors, which reinforces the importance of continuous support.
3. Performance Appraisal (9%): Although this was the least voted option, it remains an important aspect for some professionals, providing a clear structure for their long-term development.

This survey underlines that, beyond an adequate induction, employees greatly value the direct support of their supervisors during the first year. 91% of respondents agreed that both good onboarding and regular meetings with superiors are key factors for their success.

This is where bclose, developed by Headway Executive Search, plays a key role. This innovative tool is designed to improve the onboarding experience and employee engagement by ensuring that supervisors are constantly and effectively following up with their teams. Through a system that facilitates and monitors regular meetings, bclose ensures that the onboarding process is not just an initial phase, but an ongoing support that is maintained throughout the first year and beyond.

employees highly value the direct support of their supervisors during the first year. 91% of respondents agreed that good onboarding and regular meetings with superiors are key factors for their success.

The Solution: bclose for ongoing support

A new employee’s success depends not only on their ability to adapt to the new environment, but also on the support and opportunities they receive from their managers. bclose enables companies to monitor this support objectively and impartially, facilitating the creation of regular habits of interaction between employees and supervisors. This not only improves onboarding, but also enhances engagement, motivation and talent retention.

Headway Executive Search’s survey has shown that employees are looking for more than just a good introduction to the role in their first year. They want to feel supported by their supervisors and have clear opportunities for development. With bclose, organisations can ensure that these priorities are effectively addressed, fostering a culture of continuous support and professional growth.

For more information on how bclose can transform your team onboarding process, visit bclose.net.