COVID-19 has changed many things about the way we work, including hiring new employees. Although virtual onboarding may be new to many businesses, it’s critical to have a positive onboarding process for new hires. Don’t forget, the onboarding process is one of the first experiences your new hire will have with your company, so it’s important to make a great first impression.
Successful onboarding promotes overall employee retention. In fact, according to Glassdoor, companies with a positive onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and boost productivity by over 70%. A strong onboarding process also allows new employees to feel confident about starting their new job.
Virtual onboarding is becoming more and more popular, and it presents some new challenges. Learn how to address these challenges below.
4 Tips for Onboarding New Hires Virtually:
- Stick to a Schedule
Onboarding can be extremely overwhelming, especially when done virtually. Create a comprehensive schedule that includes session details and topics, and what you expect from your new employees. You could even provide an FAQ. Helping new hires feel prepared can eliminate stress and promote mental health in the workplace.
- Provide all Essential Equipment in Advance
What equipment will your new hire need? This is a unique challenge that arises with virtual onboarding, as many jobs are currently remote. Create a checklist that includes laptops, monitors, headsets, cables, login and software instructions, and any other required technology. Make sure they have all equipment prior to their start date, and don’t forget to allot time for shipping.
- Promote Engagement
Avoid burnout from new hires by engaging them! They have many tedious responsibilities like benefits enrollment, forms, and training, so it’s important to keep them engaged and attentive. Avoid super long sessions by scheduling breaks, just like you would do if the onboarding process were in person. Don’t forget about the typical challenges that still come with the working from home environment. Space out sessions over time to allow new hires to stay focused.
- Encourage Company Culture
Unfortunately, it’s easy for company culture to fall to the wayside when working remotely. Company culture is more important that ever right now, so start new hires out right with coaching and mentoring. Give the new hire a mentor that checks in on them regularly and promotes getting to know your other fabulous employees.
Having a successful virtual onboarding process sets the tone of your new hire’s experience with your organization, and it’s important to make them as comfortable as possible. Follow the tips above to create a solid experience for every new employee, and make the virtual transition is seamless as possible.
Need help with your virtual onboarding process? Contact us today!
Support
