Hybrid onboarding - Its impact on newly hired employees

Abstract: This thesis explores hybrid onboarding and its impact on newly hired employees. The research questions for the study were: (1) What are the consequences of hybrid onboarding for newly hired employees? and (2) How does hybrid onboarding contribute to creating realistic job expectations? The study implemented a qualitative research approach, which included semi-structured interviews that focused on studying the experiences and beliefs of participants undergoing a hybrid onboarding. In the analysis and discussion, it was concluded that social interactions and personalized experiences were key to maintaining confidence and excitement when undergoing the hybrid onboarding process. Only looking at the digital materials was perceived to be challenging for newly hired employees with no previous job experience but combining this with personalized interactions helped create a bridge for understanding the gap between onboarding and regular work experience, to then create an accurate image of the job. The study emphasizes that for a successful employee onboarding and expectation setting, it is crucial that one looks at socialization, personalized experiences, and the integration of digital and in-person elements in hybrid.