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The Invisible Bond: Exploring the Sequential Mediation of Interpersonal Connections and Engagement in the Relationship Between the Onboarding Process and Talent Retention

Author

Listed:
  • Beatriz Costa

    (Business & Economics School, Instituto Superior de Gestão, 1500-552 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Rosa Isabel Rodrigues

    (Business & Economics School, Instituto Superior de Gestão, 1500-552 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

In an increasingly competitive labour market, talent retention has become a critical challenge for organisations. In this context, the onboarding process assumes a strategic role, as it not only facilitates employee integration but also strengthens ties with peers and direct supervisors, enhances engagement levels, and consequently fosters retention within the organisation. This study involved 280 employees. A quantitative, cross-sectional approach was adopted to validate the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected from a convenience sample of employees through a questionnaire survey. The results revealed that the onboarding process had a significantly positive impact on talent retention. Furthermore, both interpersonal connections and engagement were found to mediate the relationship between the onboarding process and talent retention, confirming a sequential mediation effect. These findings reinforce that an effective onboarding process strengthens interpersonal relationships, boosts engagement, and thereby enhances talent retention.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatriz Costa & Rosa Isabel Rodrigues, 2025. "The Invisible Bond: Exploring the Sequential Mediation of Interpersonal Connections and Engagement in the Relationship Between the Onboarding Process and Talent Retention," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:281-:d:1703577
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Naeem Akhtar & Shahzad Aziz & Zahid Hussain & Saqib Ali & Muhammad Salman, 2014. "Factors Affecting Employees Motivation in Banking Sector of Pakistan," Journal of Asian Business Strategy, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 4(10), pages 125-133.
    2. Wilmar Schaufeli & Marisa Salanova & Vicente González-romá & Arnold Bakker, 2002. "The Measurement of Engagement and Burnout: A Two Sample Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 71-92, March.
    3. Ory Pinco & Irina Iulia Salanta & Ioana Natalia Beleiu & Emil Lucian Crisan, 2024. "The onboarding process: a review," Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(1), pages 2-13, July.
    4. Naeem Akhtar & Shahzad Aziz & Zahid Hussain & Saqib Ali & Muhammad Salman, 2014. "Factors Affecting Employees Motivation in Banking Sector of Pakistan," Journal of Asian Business Strategy, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 4(10), pages 125-133, October.
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