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A rapidly expanding biotech company focused on developing natural medicine solutions faced a familiar challenge: optimizing the new hire onboarding experience.
With over 400 employees spread across the US and India, their traditional onboarding methods struggled to keep pace with their growth. "We knew we had a problem," shared a senior member of the HR team. "Our onboarding surveys consistently showed that new hires felt overwhelmed and struggled to find the information they needed. They weren't connecting with the resources available, and they were hesitant to ask questions."
The Challenge: Information Overload and Knowledge Gaps
The company's existing onboarding process, while well-intentioned, often resulted in information overload. New hires were bombarded with information during their initial training, but much of it was quickly forgotten or difficult to recall later.
"We had all these great resources," explained the HR team member, "but they were scattered across different platforms and hard to find. New hires didn't know where to look, and they were often reluctant to ask for help, fearing they would appear uninformed." This knowledge gap created frustration for new hires and slowed down their integration into the company.
The Solution: Enterprise Search as a Central Knowledge Hub
To address these challenges, the company implemented the Akooda Enterprise Search platform. Akooda acted as a centralized knowledge hub, connecting to the company's various systems and data sources to provide a single point of access to all relevant onboarding materials, company policies, training resources, and expert contacts.
"We wanted to create a one-stop shop for all new hire needs," said the HR team member. "A place where they could easily find the information they needed, without having to hunt through multiple systems or rely on other people."
Empowering Self-Sufficiency and Streamlining the Onboarding Process
Akooda empowered new hires to become self-sufficient. Instead of depending on colleagues or HR for every question, they could simply search the platform for answers. "This was a game-changer," shared the HR team member. "New hires could learn at their own pace, explore information without pressure, and find answers to even the 'silly' questions they might have been afraid to ask out loud."
The platform also streamlined the onboarding process, ensuring consistency and efficiency. "Everyone receives the same information," explained the HR team member, "so we can be confident that all new hires are aligned on company policies, procedures, and best practices. This eliminates inconsistencies in training and reduces the risk of misinformation."
Boosting Employee Satisfaction and Fostering Community
The impact on employee satisfaction was significant. "New hires feel more prepared and supported," said the HR team member. "They're able to quickly integrate into their teams and contribute effectively, which boosts their confidence and engagement."
Beyond information access, Akooda also facilitated connections between new hires and existing employees. "The platform can identify subject matter experts and connect new hires with mentors or colleagues who can provide guidance and support," explained the HR team member. "This helps to build a sense of community and belonging, making new hires feel more welcome and integrated into the company culture."
The Results: A Transformative Impact
Implementing Akooda had a transformative impact on the company's onboarding process. "We've seen a dramatic improvement in employee satisfaction scores," shared the HR team member. "New hires are more informed, engaged, and productive. They're able to hit the ground running and contribute to the company's success much faster."
Key Benefits as Seen by HR:
- Improved Access to Information: "New hires can find what they need instantly."
- Increased Self-Sufficiency: "They're empowered to learn independently."
- Streamlined Onboarding: "The process is more efficient and consistent."
- Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: "New hires feel more prepared and supported."
- Faster Time to Productivity: "They integrate quickly and contribute effectively."
- Stronger Sense of Community: "They connect with mentors and build relationships."
- Reduced Burden on HR: "We can focus on strategic initiatives."
Akooda has become an indispensable tool for our onboarding process," concluded the HR team member. "It's helped us create a more positive and effective onboarding experience for our new hires, which ultimately benefits the entire company."
