Think of the dynamic between employee engagement and experience like a romantic relationship. Sure, a solid connection takes time to establish, but first impressions are also important. A company might have an impressive, engaging culture, but if the employee experience is lacking during the onboarding process, potential hires might not care to stick around to fully understand how great that culture might be. Simply put, the face the employer shows the prospective employee during the interview and the first few days of employment will set the stage for the entire relationship. As with any relationship, communication is key. The first interactions with the potential hire, and subsequently the new employee, must be clear, consistent, and caring. While it might not seem like a big deal, studies have shown what happens during this brief transition period has a deep impact on the way the employee views the company and understands how they fit into the culture as a whole. Onboarding must be viewed as a critical step in the crafting of a positive employee experience.