Onboarding Done Right: Lessons, Laughter & Key Takeaways
- Michelle Denny
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
At our recent Diss Business Forum event, ‘Unlock the Power of Effective Onboarding”, we explored the dos and don’ts of onboarding, and let’s just say, some of the worst onboarding experiences shared were as eye-opening as they were entertaining!
Hosted by Ben Cussons of Scrutton Bland and led by our very own Michelle Denny, the room was full of lively discussions, experienced viewpoints, and plenty of laughter as we tackled what it truly means to set new hires up for success.

The Good, the Bad & the Downright Awkward
Between engaging conversations and expert opinions, we heard some truly cringeworthy onboarding tales, from first days where no one knew a new hire was arriving, to ‘training’ that consisted of being handed a laptop and wished the best of luck. While these stories got plenty of laughs in the room, they also highlighted a crucial point: first impressions matter.
The Secret to a Seamless Onboarding Process
We all know that recruitment doesn’t stop the moment an offer is accepted. A structured onboarding process is the difference between a highly engaged, productive employee and one who’s already scanning Indeed or LinkedIn for their next role. At the event, we discussed some key onboarding strategies that every business should have in place, including:
🔹 Start Before Day One: A warm welcome begins the moment the contract is signed. Preboarding materials, introductions, and clear expectations set the tone for a smooth start.
🔹 Get the First Day Right: No more “Oh, are you starting today?” moments. A clear schedule, a friendly introduction, and making sure IT is set up in advance go a long way.
🔹 Assign a Buddy: A simple but effective step that helps new hires feel supported and settled from the get-go.
🔹 Set Clear Goals & Milestones: A well-structured plan for the first 30/60/90 days keeps both the employee and employer aligned on expectations.
🔹 Make It About More Than Just Paperwork: Compliance matters, but onboarding should also be about culture, engagement, and long-term success.
These are just a few takeaways from a much bigger, structured approach that we implement at Michelle Denny Recruitment.
Want the Full Ultimate Onboarding Checklist?
If you’re looking for a step-by-step plan to make sure your onboarding process sets new hires up for success, we’ve got you covered. Our Ultimate Onboarding Checklist & Plan covers everything from pre-start to post-probation, ensuring you retain top talent and build engaged teams.
📩 Want a copy? Email hello@dennyrecruits.com
Join Us at the Next Event
If you missed this session, don’t worry, the next Diss Business Forum event is on Thursday May 15th and tickets will be released soon!
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