Why is sustainable employability so important and why should you start with it at onboarding, on Day 1

When discussing sustainable employability in the workplace, onboarding may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the onboarding process offers a great opportunity to empower employees and promote long-term success. By incorporating the principles of sustainable employability from the beginning, organizations can lay the foundation for engaged, committed and successful teams

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Sustainable employability and onboarding; creating a hospitable environment

Onboarding acts as the gateway to the organization’s culture, values and strategy. It is an opportunity to make new employees feel valued, and to motivate and inspire them about their roles. Onboarding helps newcomers adjust to the company culture, better understand their responsibilities and perform faster. Increased engagement significantly reduces the likelihood of turnover in the crucial first year of employment

Understanding Sustainable Employability

Sustainable employability refers to an individual’s ability to continue working productively and effectively throughout his or her career, taking into account changing conditions, skills and needs of both the employee and the employer. But why is sustainable employability so crucial

Longer Lives, Longer Careers

In recent years, our life expectancy has increased by more than 10 years. In 2022, average life expectancy at birth was 80.1 years for men and 83.1 years for women. Longer lives also mean longer working careers. Moreover, continuous learning and skills development are essential to staying relevant in the ever-changing job landscape. By investing in sustainable employability and onboarding and promoting employee growth, employers ensure that their workforce remains motivated, productive and essential to the organization. This concept extends to the personal health and well-being of employees

Increased Wellbeing

Research shows that employees in organizations that prioritize sustainable employability experience higher levels of vitality compared to those in less sustainable environments. In addition, these employees show fewer signs of depression, smoking and excessive drinking, and tend to be physically active on a regular basis. Promoting sustainable employability not only benefits employees, but also contributes to the overall health of the organization. Such environments experience fewer employee intentions to seek career opportunities elsewhere and higher overall job satisfaction

Positive Reputation

By investing in sustainable employability and onboarding, employees experience a better work environment, enjoy their work more and are generally healthier. This makes you as an employer more attractive to others!

Prioritizing Learning and Development

To be sustainably employable, employees must continually develop new skills and competencies. Sustainable Employability and onboarding should therefore be a central theme. Continuous learning and development includes both hard skills, such as digital skills and industry knowledge, and soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, creativity, adaptability and perseverance. Encourage employees to acquire and refine these skills. Offer guidance, coaching and mentoring, including intergenerational mentoring programs

Sustainable Employability and Onboarding

For onboarding to be effective, it must be sustainable, scalable, cost-effective and easily implemented. Here are some practical tips for achieving this:

1. 1. Demonstrate appreciation and engagement: showing appreciation and engaging employees has a significant impact. Engaged employees are motivated, leading to increased vitality and job satisfaction. This reduces absenteeism and increases the attractiveness of your organization as an employer.

• • Promote health: a proactive health policy has a positive impact on employee vitality and sustainable employability. Implement measures for a healthy work environment, encourage healthy lifestyles, facilitate physical activity and manage stress.

• • Align HR Policies: sustainable employability must be embedded in the organizational culture. Ensure alignment between organizational and employee needs through transparent communication, attractive benefits, flexible benefits and customized career paths.

Conclusion: Sustainable Employability and Onboarding is the basis for success

Sustainable employability and onboarding encompasses more than just the well-being of the individual; it extends to the health and vitality of the entire organization. By prioritizing sustainable employability from day one at onboarding, organizations ensure continued success, financial stability and a resilient future. Employers who address sustainable employability from the very first moment during onboarding lay a foundation for engagement, growth and performance. Promoting employee development, health and well-being, and creating an engaging work environment contribute not only to the growth of individuals, but also to the flourishing of the organization as a whole. By investing in sustainable employability and onboarding, organizations are investing in a robust and thriving future