Why Onboarding Matters: Setting Senior Living Executives Up for Long-Term Success
Onboarding often gets treated like a checklist—set up the email, assign a desk, hand over the job description. But it’s far more than that. How an executive is welcomed into your organization shapes their perception of your company—and ultimately, their decision to stay.
From day one, the little things matter. A warm greeting, clear communication, and early support send a message of respect and care. When done right, onboarding builds a strong foundation for engagement and long-term success. However, when done poorly, it leads to early turnover, confusion, and eroded trust.
First Impressions Set the Tone
According to Jeff Harris, CEO of Jeff Harris & Associates, first impressions carry significant weight.
“The minute you walk in the door, it’s going to affect how you perceive your experience,” Harris says. “If you’re treated with warmth and grace, that influences everything.”
Harris emphasizes that onboarding should extend beyond logistics. Actions that show genuine thoughtfulness—such as preparing a workspace, placing flowers on a desk, or taking someone to
lunch on their first day—make a lasting impact.
“Onboarding is not just about telling someone how to do their job. It’s about how you treat them. Are they welcomed, or left to fend for themselves?”
Trust, Fairness, and Leadership Matter
Harris draws a compelling parallel between successful onboarding and leadership principles, referencing Malcolm Gladwell’s work on political stability.
“Gladwell says revolution happens when there’s a lack of respect, fairness, and trust,” Harris explains. “That’s true in companies too. When those values disappear, people leave.”
To avoid this, leaders must act in ways that align with both organizational values and employee expectations. Consistency, integrity, and follow-through are key. When trust is lost, retention quickly follows.
Create a Stable, Fair Environment
Fairness begins with clear, consistent guidelines. Harris advises leaders to apply rules evenly and communicate them transparently.
“If people feel the rules apply only to some, they’ll see that as unfair—and you’ll lose them.”
Strong communication reinforces fairness and trust. Without it, employees fill in the gaps with assumptions—often negative ones.
“People want predictability and stability,” Harris says. “If you don’t communicate clearly, you create confusion—and lose trust.”
Put People First From Day One
For senior living organizations, onboarding should reflect the values leaders are expected to uphold: respect, fairness, transparency, and trust. When you demonstrate those principles from the start, you reduce turnover, build stronger teams, and foster a workplace where executives can thrive.