Why You Should Make Your Onboarding Process More Difficult
These days, everyone’s trying to make things easier. Click a button, skip a step, get to the finish line faster. And while that might work for ordering lunch or streaming a movie, it’s not the best approach when you’re building a team.
At some point, companies started treating onboarding like a formality. But here’s the truth: when you make it too easy, you open the door to bigger problems later.
The Problem with "Easy"
We’ve seen it firsthand—when onboarding is too simple, it doesn’t filter out people who aren’t ready, reliable, or fully invested. That might not seem like a big deal on day one, but it usually shows up later—missed shifts, sloppy work, and unnecessary headaches.
If someone struggles to complete a W-9 or ignores instructions about submitting documents, that’s a clue. And it’s better to find that out before they’re part of your team.
What Strong Onboarding Actually Means
A solid onboarding process should tell you something about a person’s attitude. Can they follow directions? Do they meet deadlines? Are they organized enough to handle the basics?
We’re not talking about hoops for the sake of it. We’re talking about:
Signed paperwork
Verified tax info
Uploaded ID or payment info
Showing up for a quick intro call or training
It’s not hard—but it does require effort. And that effort says a lot.
Friction Isn’t Bad—It’s Useful
A little friction can actually be a good thing. It helps you:
Spot who’s serious and who’s not
Protect your time and reputation
Set expectations early and clearly
Instead of asking, “How can we make this easier?” consider asking, “What kind of person do we want to attract?”
Lowering the Bar Isn’t the Answer
Sure, you could let everyone in. But then you spend your time managing no-shows and excuses. A more thoughtful process might mean fewer applicants—but it usually means better ones.
Raising the bar isn’t about being difficult. It’s about setting a standard—and sticking to it.
Why It Matters to Your Clients
If your business is client-facing, your team reflects your brand. People who complete a thorough onboarding process tend to show up more prepared, more professional, and more dependable.
That’s the kind of impression your clients remember.
In Closing
Easy isn’t always better. A bit of structure, a few clear steps, and some accountability up front can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Make your onboarding process thoughtful—not rushed—and you’ll build a team that shows up ready to work.
Looking to improve your hiring and onboarding process? Start with clear expectations and a process that values quality. The right people won’t mind the extra steps—they’ll see it as a sign you’re serious, too.
