CONNECTIONS, COMMUNITY, AND CULTURE: FACTORS ATTRIBUTED TO NEW EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION, PREPARATION, AND RETENTION THROUGH INTENTIONAL ONBOARDING IN STUDENT AFFAIRS

Abstract

Student affairs is a field within higher education that noticed the impact of attrition at high rates through the "Great Resignation" following the global COVID-19 pandemic. Staff turnover presents institutions with an opportunity to examine factors associated with employee retention and job satisfaction and explore the effectiveness of onboarding and acclimation processes as one method to promote organization stability. Using Transitional Theory and Invitational Theory as a theoretical foundation, this action research inquiry aimed to examine the influence an intentional division onboarding could have on employee job preparation, satisfaction, and retention promotion. An intentional onboarding curriculum was presented during two onboarding sessions hosted for new employees withing the Division of Student Affairs at a public higher education institution through the support of the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee. Following the onboarding session, nine participants consented to participate in the explanatory sequential mixed methods action research inquiry. A survey administered through Qualtrics allowed participants to select their level of agreement using a five-point Likert scale across 22 statements, respond to three open-ended questions, identify onboarding experiences, and volunteer demographic information. Three participants attended an individual semi-structured interview following the survey. Descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis were used to examine quantitative and qualitative data sequentially. The results revealed that new employees seek onboarding and training opportunities. Such experiences correlate to their acclimation, transition, and preparedness for their role and can influence their satisfaction and retention. Participants highlighted the value of building working relationships, identifying a connection to the institution and intersections of their role with other departments, viewing their role in the strategic plan and institutional mission, signaling the significance of a welcoming environment and culture. An effective onboarding curriculum and experience can be beneficial to new employees, extending to student success: student affairs professionals can provide students with the appropriate direction and guidance necessary to persist in graduation and proceed in achieving their career and personal goals. Findings indicate that connections, community, and culture are elements that contributed to new employee experiences.