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What If: Onboarding Was a Pep Rally



  • Engaging Onboarding: Transform the new hire experience with the excitement of a high school pep rally.

  • Retention Impact: Structured onboarding can lead to a 58% higher chance of employees staying for three years (SHRM).

  • Activities for Bonding: Use games like scavenger hunts and trivia to blend fun with learning about company culture.

  • Mentorship: Introduce 'corporate cheerleaders,' or mentors, to guide new hires through the company's values.

  • Lasting Memories: A group photo to encapsulate the spirit of the day, signifying team unity and belonging.

A few weeks back, I invited you to a whimsical world where children reported to HR instead of their parents. In the coming weeks, stay tuned for more from our "What If" series, where we'll continue to explore the edges of HR's potential. Together, we'll ask the bold questions and, perhaps, inspire real change.


Imagine the electric atmosphere of high school pep rallies. Bands played, cheerleaders led the crowd, and a spirit of unity pervaded the air. Now, transpose that vibrancy to the corporate onboarding experience.


As new hires step through the doors, they're not met with the usual paperwork and presentations. Instead, a festive welcome echoes the high school spirit, with banners flying high and balloons painting the sky. A marching band sets the rhythm of a new beginning, while speeches from key leaders inject motivation. The message is clear: Welcome to the team; let's win together.


Studies, like those from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), suggest that

a well-structured onboarding program significantly boosts retention, with employees 58% more likely to remain with the company three years down the line.

This isn't just about a day of fun; it's about planting the seeds of loyalty and engagement from day one.


Activities like scavenger hunts and trivia contests are more than games—they're collaborative experiences that weave new hires into the company's cultural fabric. And who better to lead these activities than professional 'corporate cheerleaders,' experienced mentors who embody the company's values and spirit?


The culmination of this experience—a group photo—serves as more than just a memento. It's a testament to the collective energy, a symbol of unity, and a reminder that every individual's role is celebrated.


By reimagining onboarding as a pep rally, we're not only setting the stage for a memorable first day but potentially paving the way for a successful, enduring career within the company.


Recap: integrating a pep rally ethos into onboarding could revolutionize the way we introduce new talent to our organizations. By creating an unforgettable welcome, we foster a sense of belonging and enthusiasm that can translate into lasting employee engagement and retention. It's a bold step away from tradition, but one that could lead to a more vibrant and committed workforce. As we continue to challenge the norms of HR with our "What If" series, let's carry this energy forward and see where it can take us.

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