The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the way companies operate. With the need for social distancing and remote work, companies have had to adapt to new ways of hiring and onboarding employees. Remote onboarding has become the new norm, and it has presented unique challenges for companies. Effective onboarding is crucial for new employees to feel connected and engaged with their colleagues and the company culture. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for effective remote onboarding that can help new employees feel connected and engaged.
1. Create a Welcome Package
A welcome package is a great way to make new employees feel valued and appreciated. The package can include a welcome letter from the CEO, information about the company’s culture and values, and any other relevant information about the company. You can also include some company swag, such as a t-shirt or water bottle, to make the new employee feel like part of the team.
The welcome package can be sent to the new employee’s home address before their first day of work. This gesture can make the new employee feel welcomed and excited about their new role.
2. Assign a Buddy
Assigning a buddy to new employees is a great way to help them feel connected to their colleagues. The buddy can be someone who has been with the company for a while and can answer any questions the new employee may have. The buddy can also introduce the new employee to other team members and help them feel more comfortable in their new role.
The buddy can be assigned before the new employee’s first day of work. They can reach out to the new employee and introduce themselves, providing a friendly face and a point of contact before the new employee officially joins the team.
3. Schedule Regular Check-ins
Regular check-ins are essential for remote onboarding. These check-ins can be done via video conferencing, phone calls, or instant messaging. During these check-ins, the new employee can ask any questions they may have, and the manager can provide feedback on their work. Regular check-ins can help new employees feel supported and connected to their team.
The frequency of the check-ins can vary depending on the needs of the new employee and the company. However, it is essential to set a regular schedule for check-ins to ensure that the new employee feels supported and connected.
4. Provide Training and Resources
Providing training and resources is crucial for remote onboarding. New employees need to understand the company’s processes and procedures, as well as any tools or software they will be using. Providing access to online training courses and resources can help new employees learn quickly and feel more confident in their new role.
The training and resources should be provided before the new employee’s first day of work. This will give them time to familiarize themselves with the company’s processes and procedures and any tools or software they will be using.
5. Foster a Sense of Community
Fostering a sense of community is essential for remote onboarding. One way to do this is to hold virtual team-building activities, such as online games or virtual happy hours. These activities can help new employees feel like part of the team and build relationships with their colleagues.
The virtual team-building activities can be scheduled regularly, such as once a week or once a month. They can be optional, but it is essential to encourage participation to ensure that new employees feel connected and engaged.
6. Encourage Feedback
Encouraging feedback is crucial for remote onboarding. New employees may have suggestions on how to improve the onboarding process, and their feedback can help make the process better for future hires. Encouraging feedback also shows new employees that their opinions are valued and that the company is committed to continuous improvement.
Feedback can be encouraged through regular check-ins or through a survey after the onboarding process is complete. It is essential to act on the feedback received to show new employees that their opinions are valued.
7. Celebrate Milestones
Celebrating milestones is a great way to recognize the achievements of new employees and make them feel appreciated. Milestones can include completing training courses, reaching a certain level of productivity, or completing a project. Celebrating milestones can help new employees feel like their contributions are valued and recognized.
Milestones can be celebrated through a virtual team meeting or through a company-wide email. It is essential to celebrate milestones regularly to ensure that new employees feel appreciated and valued.
Conclusion
In conclusion, remote onboarding can be challenging, but it is essential for ensuring that new employees feel connected and engaged. By creating a welcome package, assigning a buddy, scheduling regular check-ins, providing training and resources, fostering a sense of community, encouraging feedback, and celebrating milestones, companies can ensure that their remote onboarding process is effective and successful. Remote onboarding can be just as effective as in-person onboarding with the right strategies in place.