Bringing on New Team Members: 3 Best Practices for SaaS Startups

Employee turnover can wreak havoc on any business. A SaaS startup really depends on having the right players and a consistent, well-formed team. It will cost you more than time to replace a worker who isn’t onboarded properly; indeed, according to human resources experts at ERE Media, you’ll pay about 40 percent of your worker’s annual salary to replace them.

Onboarding the right way can help new hires quickly get up to speed and become a valuable part of your organization. This is common sense, of course, and it’s easier said than done. We’re hopeful that the tips outlined below will make it a bit easier done than said.

1. Create a Company Playbook

If you don’t already have one, make creating and updating an employee manual a priority. A company-wide manual clearly outlines expectations, ensures that everyone is treated fairly, and helps new team members understand what you want from them. In addition to a general procedures manual, an explanation of any “in-jokes,” company lingo and culture can help a new hire feel like part of the team quickly. Even in a holocratic organization, there are some rules and policies that need to be relayed to make sure everyone has a level playing field.

2. Outline Expectations

Employee retention and onboarding starts before the candidate is even selected. Before you hire new people, you should have a clear idea of the work you want them to do, the goals you’d like them to achieve and what you expect from the position. It’s also critically important to relay these details to your prospective employees. If you get carried away describing how great your company culture is, they could be in for a shock when they see the actual job duties they have to perform.

3. Create a Process

Make an onboarding process that works for your business. You’ll need to make sure your new hires fully understand their role, responsibilities and what you expect from them. You’ll also need to make sure they meet everyone else on the team and can actually find the things they need to perform their jobs. The more readily your new hires adapt to the environment and become part of the team, the more likely it is that they’ll stick around and become long-term, valuable employees for your startup.

With crystal clear upfront expectations and a system to introduce new hires to your office culture, all of your employees can work together for the good of your company — and your customers. A focus on customer satisfaction and retention is key to creating a sustainable subscription business, and engaged employees can provide that focus.

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