Hiring top talent is only half the battle. The real win is turning that talent into long-term, engaged employees. In a market where 1 in 3 new hires leave within 90 days, closing the loop between recruitment and retention is critical.

Why closing the loop matters

According to the 2023-34 State of the Workplace Report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost of replacing an employee is about 6 to 9 months of their salary. That’s a steep price for a broken employee experience.

Start with a seamless onboarding experience

A strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%, according to a study by Brandon Hall Group.

Example:

Canva, based in Sydney, offers a 2-week immersive onboarding program that includes mentorship, product deep-dives, and culture workshops. This has helped them maintain high engagement and low attrition in a competitive tech market.

Build a culture of continuous feedback

Feedback shouldn’t be reserved for annual reviews. Regular check-ins and real-time feedback help employees feel seen and supported.

Tool tip:
Platforms like 15Five and Lattice allow managers to track goals, gather feedback, and measure engagement in real time.

Invest in career development early

Employees who don’t see a future at your company will find one elsewhere. LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report found that 64% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their learning.

Example:

PwC launched its “My+” program in 2022, offering employees personalised career paths, upskilling opportunities, and flexible work options. This initiative has been credited with improving retention and internal mobility.

Recognize and reward consistently

Recognition is a powerful motivator. A Gallup study found that employees who feel adequately recognized are 65% more likely to stay at their current job.

Pro tip:
Use peer-to-peer recognition tools like Bonusly or Kudos to build a culture of appreciation.

Create clear pathways for internal mobility

Internal mobility not only retains talent but also reduces hiring costs. According to LinkedIn, employees at companies with high internal mobility stay almost twice as long.

Example:

Unilever uses an AI-powered platform called FLEX Experiences to match employees with internal gigs and projects, boosting engagement and retention.

Don’t forget the exit interview

Exit interviews are a goldmine of insights. Use them to identify patterns and improve the employee experience for those who stay.

Final thoughts

Closing the loop from candidate to long-term employee is about more than good intentions, it’s about building systems that support growth, feedback, and belonging. Every touchpoint matters.

Want to build a team that stays?
Partner with MTC Recruitment to find candidates who don’t just fit the role—but grow with it. Let’s close the loop together.

​