Employee lifecycle stages refer to the various steps an employee goes through while at a company, from pre-hire to post-exit. Each stage has its own processes, rules, and associated costs. The four core stages of an employee’s lifecycle are onboarding, employment journey, termination, and exit. Onboarding is when an employee becomes part of the organization by signing paperwork, receiving necessary training and orientation, understanding company policies and procedures, and having any pertinent questions answered. Employment journey includes tasks like performance management, compensation review, professional development, job changes, promotions, and more. Termination occurs when an employee departs the organization for whatever reason, such as voluntary resignation or involuntary dismissal. And finally, exit typically involves paperwork and protocol to officially end their tenure with the company. These stages provide guidance for companies looking to maximize performance and engagement throughout an employee’s lifecycle.