Only 33% of Polish companies monitor employee engagement and satisfaction after hiring. Furthermore, just 15% set professional goals for new hires, and only one in five organizations conducts ongoing assessments of employee performance and progress, according to the “Role of Post-Hire Processes in Polish Organizations” report by eRecruiter. These figures indicate that many companies focus solely on initial formalities after hiring an employee, neglecting activities that support development and engagement in later stages of cooperation. The result? Increasing turnover, untapped team potential, and a lack of long-term retention.
The post-hire area, covering all activities related to employees after their hiring, is becoming a key element of human resource management strategies in Polish companies. This term encompasses not only traditional processes like onboarding and performance management but also more complex issues related to career development, engagement building, and employee well-being. In recent years, trends have shifted significantly — organizations that not only recruit top talent but also provide appropriate support and development post-hiring gain a competitive edge.
Recruitment is the first step in acquiring valuable employees. However, to fully unleash the potential of the recruited talent and contribute to a company’s success, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to their development and engagement. A lack of proper post-hire care can lead to numerous negative consequences, such as decreased productivity, low job satisfaction, and increased staff turnover. In today’s reality, where organizational success is determined not only by the quality of products or services but also by team engagement, neglecting this area can have far-reaching consequences.
— Katarzyna Trzaska, eRecruiter expert.
Onboarding – More Than Just Formalities
According to the study, Polish employers most often associate post-hire activities with administrative processes, such as introducing new employees, granting system access, or providing information about benefits. While these are important elements, experts point out that such actions do not build engagement or motivation. Employees, especially younger generations, expect more — clearly defined goals, development opportunities, and real support during their first days at work.
The first days at a new company are a time when the employer — especially the direct supervisor — has a unique opportunity to make a good impression and build future engagement. Therefore, we need greater focus on setting professional goals, assessing competencies, and development opportunities — this is where we should start. Employees, particularly younger generations, expect a broader explanation and understanding of their tasks and the possibilities associated with their role. Engaging workplaces are those where employees know why they work, how they will be evaluated, and which skills they need to develop to succeed. Understanding the company’s strategy and their role in the team can be a strong foundation for long-term motivation.
— Paulina Mazur, HR consultant and intergenerational communication expert.
Post-Hire Activities – Key to Long-Term Success
The eRecruiter study results indicate that key elements, such as competency management, setting professional goals, and regular progress assessments, are still overlooked by Polish companies. Only 33% regularly monitor employee engagement and satisfaction, and even fewer (15%) set professional goals for employees. Similarly, just 15% implement digital workflows for employee documentation.
Employee management is a process that does not end with hiring. Implementing a long-term approach to post-hire activities is an investment that yields measurable benefits, such as increased retention and better team performance.
— Jolanta Lewandowska-Bitkowska, HR Business Partner at Grupa Pracuj.
Interestingly, 5% of respondents do not address any of the surveyed post-hire areas. For companies, this represents untapped potential and often significant loss, especially considering the findings of the eRecruiter report. These findings suggest that companies that properly manage post-hire processes have significantly greater potential for growth and employee retention. This is a fundamental factor that often determines an organization’s success, a factor that cannot be overestimated.
— Jolanta Lewandowska-Bitkowska adds.
Solutions for Today’s Challenges
Experts recommend a more integrated approach to post-hire activities. Proactively monitoring employee satisfaction from onboarding, clearly defining their role in the company, and providing tools to support career development can significantly boost team engagement levels. Moreover, direct supervisors play a crucial role in building relationships and trust, which often determines the success of cooperation.
The “Role of Post-Hire Processes in Polish Organizations” report not only diagnoses current challenges but also suggests development directions that can help companies better utilize their employees’ potential. Recognizing the importance of post-hire processes is the first step toward building a company culture that supports growth and team retention.
About the Report
The “Role of Post-Hire Processes in Polish Organizations” report is an in-depth study conducted among professionals involved in HR processes. In addition to detailed results, the report includes expert analyses, commentary, and educational content to help better understand and interpret the data. This comprehensive report provides insights into the current state of post-hire processes in Poland and offers tips and inspiration for effectively managing this key area in organizations. The study was conducted using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method between June 4-25, 2024, with 458 respondents completing the survey (including demographic details).
