Is It Time to Review Your Onboarding Process?

In high-turnover industries like food and produce, first impressions matter — not just for your customers, but for your employees. Yet onboarding is often rushed, informal, or inconsistent. If your process hasn’t been reviewed in a while, late summer is the perfect time to take a closer look.

A thoughtful onboarding program helps new hires feel welcomed, informed, and equipped to do their jobs well. It can also reduce no-shows, limit early turnover, and improve legal compliance.

Why Onboarding Matters More Than You Think

Studies show that structured onboarding can improve new hire retention by up to 50% — and in industries with thin margins, that can have a big impact on performance and morale.

When onboarding is done right, employees:
- Understand your expectations from day one
- Know how and when to take legally required breaks
- Are introduced to workplace safety policies
- Feel more connected to your company’s mission and team
- Are less likely to walk out during the first few weeks

What to Include in an Effective Onboarding Process

Here are some key elements to review or consider adding:

- Legal Notices and Required Forms
Ensure all state and federal forms are completed and stored properly — including I-9s, W-4s, and wage notices.

- Policy Orientation
Walk through your employee handbook. Don’t just hand it out — explain the most critical policies, including break times, calling out, and workplace conduct.

- Job-Specific Training
This is where many food service employers fall short. Ensure that training includes not only how to do the job but how to do it safely, legally, and in line with your values.

- Supervisor Checklist
Create a simple checklist so supervisors know exactly what to cover during the first few shifts — from locker locations to point-of-sale login.

- Follow-Up Touchpoints
Schedule quick check-ins after week one and week two to catch early issues and show new employees that you care.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Review

Fall is often a busy season for food and produce businesses, so taking time in August to improve your process can pay off quickly. It also helps ensure your policies are aligned with recent legal changes — especially if you’ve updated your employee handbook.

Your onboarding process sets the tone for every new hire’s experience. With the right approach, it can also be your best defense against compliance mistakes and early turnover.

For more information on this topic or to learn how Produce Trust empowers companies working in the produce and food service industries, contact Richard Arias at: richard.arias@apdbla.com