Recent study: 7 onboarding best practices you should apply now

Research conducted by the Blekinge Institute of Technology and SINTEF Digital highlights the challenges and potential improvements in the onboarding process for software developers. Analyzing three global companies, the study reveals inconsistencies in formalizing onboarding processes, with mentoring and networking identified as major hurdles. The lack of a strategic onboarding approach complicates training for newcomers, especially in remote or agile environments, where networking and documentation are often insufficient. The researchers propose several recommendations, including formalizing onboarding programs, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and enhancing mentoring efforts, particularly for legacy projects. Emphasizing the importance of structured onboarding, the study suggests that companies investing in clear job expectations, policy education, and network building will benefit from more productive and satisfied developers, ultimately reducing turnover rates.