Why London’s FTSE 100 Companies Are Investing in Onboarding Video Series

In an era marked by digital transformation and global competition for talent, London’s FTSE 100 companies are increasingly turning to onboarding video series to enhance employee engagement, streamline orientation, and improve long-term workforce retention.

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These video-based tools—ranging from explainer videos to full-fledged training modules—are revolutionizing how large organizations introduce new hires to corporate culture, compliance, and operational practices.

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This shift is more than a trend; it reflects a strategic investment in human capital.

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Research continues to underscore the strong link between effective onboarding and employee performance, job satisfaction, and retention.

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For FTSE 100 companies—many of which operate across multiple continents and manage thousands of employees—onboarding videos offer scalable, consistent, and engaging ways to accelerate new hire productivity.

The Strategic Importance of Onboarding

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Onboarding is far more than a brief orientation. It’s the foundation for an employee’s journey within a company. A poorly managed onboarding process can lead to disengagement, early exits, and long-term underperformance.

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According to a study by Brandon Hall Group, companies with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70% (Brandon Hall Group, 2015).

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FTSE 100 firms—representing the largest companies on the London Stock Exchange—cannot afford to ignore these metrics.

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With business operations spread globally, regulatory complexity increasing, and hybrid work models becoming the norm, traditional onboarding methods are no longer sufficient.

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Paper manuals, live presentations, and face-to-face orientations often fall short in delivering consistent and engaging experiences, especially across time zones and departments.

Why Video-Based Onboarding Is on the Rise

1. Consistency Across Global Teams

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One of the most significant advantages of onboarding videos is the ability to maintain message consistency. Multinational companies like HSBC, Unilever, or BP operate in dozens of countries, and the delivery of compliance training, ethical guidelines, or corporate culture can vary significantly when done in person.

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Onboarding videos, however, ensure that every employee receives the same content, presented in the same tone and structure, regardless of location. This consistency not only strengthens brand identity but also reduces the risk of miscommunication or non-compliance with key procedures.

2. Faster Onboarding and Time-to-Productivity

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Training videos help reduce onboarding time by allowing employees to learn at their own pace. Rather than waiting for scheduled workshops or HR presentations, new hires can begin training immediately and revisit complex topics as needed. According to a 2021 report by the Learning & Performance Institute (LPI), companies that employ video-based training reduce onboarding time by up to 40% compared to traditional methods.

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This is especially valuable in sectors like finance, technology, or pharmaceuticals, where early-stage employees are expected to become operationally effective quickly. FTSE 100 firms like GlaxoSmithKline and Lloyds Banking Group have reported using video modules to fast-track compliance, cybersecurity, and internal system training, significantly cutting down training bottlenecks.

3. Improved Knowledge Retention

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The brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text (Thermopylae Sciences + Technology, 2014), and viewers retain 95% of a video’s message compared to just 10% when reading it in text (Forrester Research, 2014). This cognitive benefit is central to the success of onboarding video series.

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For instance, an animated explainer video on a company's data privacy policy or workflow software not only explains the concept clearly but also embeds it more deeply in the viewer’s memory. This enhanced retention reduces the need for repeated instructions and retraining, saving time and HR resources.

4. Scalability and Cost Efficiency

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While producing a high-quality onboarding video may require an initial investment, the long-term savings are significant. FTSE 100companies typically onboard hundreds or thousands of employees annually. By digitizing the onboarding process, companies save on:

• Travel and accommodation costs for trainers
• Time spent by managers on repeated training sessions
• Printed materials and training manuals

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Moreover, once created, video content can be updated incrementally, making it a sustainable solution that evolves with the company’s needs.

5. Enhanced Employee Engagement and Satisfaction

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Modern employees—especially Gen Z and Millennials—expect digital-first experiences. Static PowerPoint decks or lengthy orientation manuals don’t match the engagement levels of dynamic, well-produced videos. Including storytelling elements, testimonials from current employees, or interactive quizzes in onboarding videos can significantly improve a new hire’s emotional connection to the company.

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A 2022 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that 94%of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. For FTSE 100 companies aiming to attract top-tier talent, onboarding videos serve as an early signal of a company’s commitment to professional growth and employee-centric values.

Real-World Examples from FTSE 100 Firms

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• Barclays uses interactive e-learning videos for onboarding new hires in compliance and customer interaction protocols, reducing classroom training by 60%.
• BP implemented a global onboarding video series tailored to different roles and geographies, standardizing the experience for new employees across over 70 countries.
• Unilever offers modular onboarding video playlists that introduce new hires to the company’s sustainability goals, digital tools, and leadership values.

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These investments are part of broader digital learning ecosystems where videos are integrated with Learning Management Systems (LMS)to track progress, offer quizzes, and personalize learning journeys.

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Integration with Broader Talent Strategies

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Onboarding video series are not standalone tools; they are increasingly being integrated with broader talent development strategies, including:

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• Performance management systems: Linking onboarding completion to initial goal-setting and review cycles.
• Career pathing tools: Using videos to outline development opportunities within the company.
• Diversity and inclusion training: Making sensitive or complex issues more accessible through well-crafted narrative videos.

In this way, onboarding videos not only improve immediate productivity but also serve as a foundation for long-term engagement and career development within the organization.

Technology and HR strategies evolve rapidly. While onboarding videos are currently a best practice among many FTSE 100 firms, organizations should always consult current research, industry benchmarks, and internal analytics to tailor solutions to their specific workforce needs.

The adoption of onboarding video series by London’s FTSE 100companies reflects a fundamental rethinking of how talent is welcomed, trained, and retained in the digital age.

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These videos provide a powerful medium to communicate values, deliver essential training, and build early engagement among new employees. They reduce onboarding time, improve knowledge retention, and create scalable systems that serve multinational workforces with clarity and consistency.

In a corporate world where agility, compliance, and culture are more important than ever, onboarding videos are no longer optional—they area strategic necessity.

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