Starting a new job is exciting — but also nerve-racking. Even the most confident professionals face uncertainty during the first few weeks in a new role. For businesses, these early concerns can directly impact employee retention, engagement, and productivity.

At Reeracoen, we work with thousands of candidates and employers across APAC each year. And one thing is clear: companies that understand and proactively address new employee concerns build stronger teams — and keep talent longer.

Here are the top 5 most common concerns faced by new hires in 2025, backed by data and insights — plus practical tips for employers.

1. “Will I Fit into the Company Culture?”

According to a 2023 Glassdoor study, 77% of professionals say company culture is a critical factor when choosing a job. Yet many new hires struggle to “read the room” or feel like they belong in the first few weeks.

For Employers:

• Create a structured cultural onboarding plan
• Assign a “culture buddy” to each new joiner
• Communicate company values through actions — not just posters

2. “What Exactly Is Expected of Me?”

A lack of role clarity is one of the top drivers of early attrition. In fact, 40% of employees who quit in the first six months cite unclear job expectations as the main reason (Gallup, 2024).

For Employers:

• Set clear 30-60-90 day goals
• Provide checklists, SOPs, and training resources early on
• Encourage regular 1:1s with managers to align on performance

3. “Do I Have the Right Tools and Support?”

Imagine starting a job without access to systems, tools, or even a working laptop. According to SHRM, 1 in 4 new employees say their onboarding experience was disorganised, making them feel undervalued from day one.

For Employers:

• Have IT, HR, and team leads aligned before Day 1
• Provide an onboarding welcome kit (digital or physical)
• Make sure new hires know where and who to go to for support

4. “Can I Ask Questions Without Looking Incompetent?”

New employees often hesitate to ask questions for fear of seeming unqualified. But that silence can slow down integration and productivity.

For Employers: 

• Foster a psychologically safe environment
• Reassure new hires that asking questions is encouraged
• Use tools like anonymous Q&A forms or informal coffee chats to ease communication

5. “Is There a Clear Path for Growth Here?”

Employees today don’t just want a job — they want a career. In a recent LinkedIn survey, 76% of Gen Z and Millennial professionals said learning and development opportunities are a top priority — even more than salary.

For Employers:

• Share learning pathways from the first week
• Highlight internal mobility stories
• Invest in training, mentorship, and upskilling platforms

Why It Matters: The First 90 Days Shape the Future

Studies show that employees who have a positive onboarding experience are 69% more likely to stay with the company for at least three years.

Yet, the same studies show that only 12% of employees strongly agree their company does a good job onboarding.

The message is clear: first impressions are everything.

What Reeracoen Recommends

Whether you're scaling fast or hiring steadily, now is the time to:

• Rethink your onboarding journey
• Focus on human connection, not just admin checklists
• Treat Day 1 like a first impression — because it is

At Reeracoen, we don’t just help companies find talent — we help them retain and empower it, from the first touchpoint to long-term success.

Need help designing a smoother onboarding process — or finding the right talent to begin with?

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References & Further Reading

1. Glassdoor – Company Culture Survey

2. Gallup – The Importance of Onboarding

3. SHRM – New Hire Onboarding Checklist

4. LinkedIn Learning Report 2024

5. BambooHR – Onboarding Statistics