Free Onboarding Survey
50+ Expert Onboarding Questions to Ask New Hires
Measuring onboarding matters because using the best questions to ask during onboarding keeps new hires engaged, speeds up productivity, and uncovers areas for improvement. An onboarding survey is a set of employee onboarding questions - from role clarity to manager support - designed to gauge how smoothly new hires settle in. Grab our free template preloaded with onboarding questions for new hires, questions to ask managers, and more - and if you need a custom approach, easily build your own survey in our online form builder.
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Top Secrets to Craft an Engaging Onboarding Survey
An Onboarding survey matters because it captures candid feedback when impressions are fresh and enthusiasm is high. You'll learn what's working - be it formal orientation, a mentorship program, or clear role guides - and what's missing in your process. Embedding a quick poll at the end of orientation shows you value real-time input. Actionable answers lead to more confident employees and faster time-to-productivity. Over time, these insights become a compass for continuous cultural and procedural improvement.
Imagine Sam, a software engineer at a growing startup. A well-timed survey asks "What do you value most about your first week?" and "Are there any resources you wish you'd had sooner?" These example questions cut to the chase and foster honest dialogue. Research from AIHR reports that clear, concise surveys see a 20% boost in response rates, translating to richer data for smarter decisions.
Start with key areas: role clarity, training quality, and manager support. Keep the survey short - under ten questions - and send it at strategic points like day one, week two, or post-training. This staggered approach aligns with findings in our Onboarding Survey playbook. A focused design reduces drop-offs and shows respect for new hires' time and feedback.
Studies suggest organizations with strong onboarding can retain up to 82% of hires after three years (Wikipedia). By acting on insights quickly, you foster trust, refine processes, and build an inclusive culture. Use survey data as a living document - review, iterate, and share results with stakeholders to keep improving the new hire journey.
Don't Launch Until You Read These Onboarding Survey Essentials
Skipping an Onboarding survey or treating it as a formality dooms your process from day one. Common mistakes include asking too many questions, vague wording, and poor timing. When surveys stretch past ten questions or arrive weeks into employment, response rates plummet. Keep your lens on clarity and brevity: ask what matters most and respect new hires' time to ensure actionable insights.
Take Lucy, who received an onboarding questionnaire six months after starting. By then, her initial impressions had faded and answers were generic. Worse, she'd forgotten many details of her early days and skipped key sections. Instead, send quick pulse surveys at 30 and 90 days, as recommended by 360Learning. Prompt follow-up shows you listen and boosts trust.
Avoid leading or double-barreled onboarding questions - these bias data. Frame neutral, single-focus inquiries like "How clear was your role description?" Ensure anonymity if you need honest critiques. According to TalentCards, evolving your survey questions over time keeps pace with shifting needs. Test drafts with a small group, refine phrasing, and aim for a one- to two-minute completion time to keep engagement high.
Finally, don't let feedback sit in limbo. Assign responsibility for review, discuss findings in team huddles, and update processes accordingly. Use our Employee Onboarding Survey template to track progress and compare cohorts. By closing the loop, you turn survey data into real improvements and show every hire that their voice truly matters.
Best Onboarding Survey Questions
These questions target the most impactful elements of your Onboarding Survey , helping you measure clarity, support, and overall satisfaction. Use the insights to optimize the process and boost new-hire productivity from day one.
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How clear were the initial onboarding objectives set for you?
Understanding clarity around objectives highlights areas where goal-setting can be improved. Clear objectives drive focus and confidence during those critical early days.
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How well did the training materials align with your role's responsibilities?
Alignment ensures that new hires receive relevant information that directly supports their tasks. It also prevents time wasted on irrelevant content.
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How supported did you feel by your team during your first week?
Team support is crucial for building trust and engagement early on. Measuring this helps identify mentorship gaps.
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How accessible were key resources and documentation?
Easy access to resources reduces friction and empowers new employees to solve problems independently. It also speeds up their learning curve.
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How confident do you feel about using our internal systems?
System confidence impacts daily efficiency and reduces frustration. Feedback here can pinpoint training needs.
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How effective was the orientation session in introducing company culture?
Cultural integration drives belonging and engagement. Assessing this helps tailor future orientation content.
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How timely was feedback provided on your initial tasks?
Timely feedback supports continuous improvement and avoids early setbacks. It also reinforces performance standards.
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How comfortable were you asking questions during the onboarding process?
Comfort in raising questions fosters a learning culture and minimizes misunderstandings. It also signals psychological safety levels.
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How well were your personal goals integrated into your onboarding plan?
Personal goal alignment boosts motivation and retention. This insight helps customize future plans for diverse needs.
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How would you rate your overall onboarding experience?
A high-level rating provides a snapshot of satisfaction and areas for improvement. It serves as a benchmark for longitudinal studies.
Employee Onboarding Survey Questions
This category focuses on the employee's viewpoint within the Employee Onboarding Survey . It uncovers practical challenges and highlights what fosters a smooth transition.
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Were your role expectations clearly communicated by your manager?
Clear expectations prevent misalignment and reduce early confusion. They set the stage for performance success.
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Did you receive adequate guidance on company policies?
Policy clarity protects both the employee and organization from compliance risks. It also reduces future policy-related queries.
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How effective was the mentorship or buddy program assigned to you?
A strong mentorship program accelerates learning and social integration. It also supports retention by building relationships.
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Did you feel welcomed by your team members?
A welcoming environment fosters belonging and lowers first-day anxiety. This feedback guides team-building initiatives.
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How useful were the company's communication channels?
Effective channels ensure information flows smoothly and decisions are transparent. It supports collaboration across teams.
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Were the training sessions paced appropriately for you?
Pacing impacts retention and engagement in training. This feedback helps balance depth with manageability.
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Did you receive timely answers to your questions from HR?
Prompt HR responses demonstrate support and reliability. They also reduce downtime caused by bureaucratic delays.
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How easy was it to navigate the company's intranet?
Usability of digital tools shapes daily productivity. Insights here can guide user interface improvements.
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Were you introduced to cross-functional teams relevant to your role?
Introducing cross-functional contacts encourages collaboration and broad understanding. It also sparks innovation through diverse perspectives.
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Was the onboarding timeline realistic and well-structured?
A realistic timeline prevents overwhelm and respects new hires' learning curves. It helps refine scheduling for future cohorts.
New Hire Onboarding Questions
Use these questions in your New Hire Survey to evaluate first impressions and logistical readiness. They ensure no critical detail is overlooked.
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How prepared did you feel for your first day?
First-day preparedness influences confidence and engagement. It identifies logistical gaps in pre-arrival communication.
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How comprehensive was the introduction to our company values?
Value alignment boosts cultural fit and long-term commitment. This question reveals depth in value-based training.
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Did your manager set clear performance expectations?
Clear performance criteria prevent ambiguities and foster accountability. It also clarifies success metrics.
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How well did you understand the career progression path discussed?
Visible career paths drive motivation and retention. Feedback here can improve mentorship frameworks.
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How informative were the compliance and safety training sessions?
Compliance knowledge is essential for risk management and workplace safety. Effective sessions reduce legal exposure.
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Did you meet with all key stakeholders in your department?
Stakeholder introductions build networks and clarify roles. This ensures smoother collaboration.
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How supportive was your onboarding coordinator?
The coordinator's support levels strongly affect overall satisfaction. It highlights points for coordinator training.
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Was the pace of information delivery comfortable for you?
Pacing tailored to learning preferences prevents overload. It fosters better retention of critical information.
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Did you receive all necessary equipment and access on time?
Timely access to tools is essential for productivity. This question helps troubleshoot logistical delays.
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How well did the onboarding process match your initial expectations?
Expectation management reduces disappointment and turnover risk. This insight refines pre-hire communication.
Manager Onboarding Questions
These items target new leaders in your organization, framing an Employer Survey that shapes strong management habits. Gather feedback to refine leadership training.
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How clear were your leadership responsibilities communicated during onboarding?
Clear role definition helps managers prioritize tasks effectively. It ensures alignment with organizational goals.
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Did you receive adequate training on performance management systems?
Proper training drives consistency in evaluations and goal setting. It minimizes legal and process-related errors.
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How supported did you feel by senior leadership?
Senior support fosters confidence in decision-making and strategy. Feedback here identifies mentorship opportunities.
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Were you provided with sufficient resources to lead your team?
Resource availability directly impacts team productivity and morale. Insights guide budget and tool allocation.
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How effective was the training on conflict resolution and communication?
Strong conflict skills maintain team cohesion and trust. This question assesses training depth in critical soft skills.
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Did you have opportunities to shadow experienced managers?
Shadowing accelerates practical learning through real-world examples. It creates a culture of continuous development.
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How well were company goals aligned with your team objectives explained?
Understanding goal alignment ensures teams move cohesively toward strategic outcomes. Feedback improves goal-setting workshops.
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Was the feedback process for new managers clearly outlined?
Transparent feedback loops promote growth and accountability. Clear processes reduce uncertainty for new leaders.
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How comfortable are you with the tools for managing your team remotely?
Remote management tools are essential for modern leadership effectiveness. This question reveals technology adoption gaps.
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How would you rate your overall manager onboarding experience?
An overall rating highlights strengths and areas needing attention. It becomes a benchmark for future leadership programs.
Onboarding Feedback Questions
Gather actionable insights with this set of Onboarding Feedback Survey questions to continuously refine your process. Focus on what works and where you can improve.
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What part of the onboarding did you find most helpful?
Identifying high-impact elements lets you amplify successful practices. It also guides resource allocation.
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Which onboarding elements could be improved for future hires?
Constructive criticism pinpoints pain points and inefficiencies. Continuous improvement relies on this feedback.
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How satisfied were you with the communication from HR?
HR communication sets the tone for company support and transparency. Satisfaction scores drive departmental improvements.
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How would you rate the clarity of the onboarding schedule?
A clear schedule reduces anxiety and helps new hires plan effectively. It also identifies bottlenecks in timing.
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Did you feel there was enough opportunity to provide feedback?
Encouraging open feedback fosters trust and engagement. It ensures employees feel heard and valued.
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How well did the onboarding process address your role-specific needs?
Role-specific alignment ensures relevance and boosts early productivity. This feedback guides customized content development.
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Were your suggestions during onboarding taken into consideration?
Acting on suggestions shows responsiveness and builds trust. It also refines the process for future cohorts.
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How effective was the follow-up after your first month?
Ongoing check-ins reinforce learning and address emerging questions. They maintain momentum beyond initial orientation.
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What additional resources would have improved your onboarding?
Gap analysis reveals resource shortfalls and training needs. Adding targeted materials boosts confidence and retention.
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Would you recommend changes to the current onboarding process?
Willingness to recommend reflects overall satisfaction and advocacy. It also highlights areas ripe for innovation.