4 tips for onboarding employees remotely

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There are plenty of things for HR to consider when bringing a new addition to your team onboard, even more so when this – and much else – is being done remotely in 2020.

Here are four handy tips for making the transition from candidate to newest member of staff goes as smoothly as possible.

#1 Make the new hire feel included

Starting a new role can be nail-biting time for us all, and it’s even harder if a new employee can’t meet their colleagues in person. Scheduling regular video chats can help the team member feel engaged and more at ease – affording them that crucial social connection they would otherwise miss.

“As our employees are starting their journey remotely it’s really important to engage early and with the use of video technology. We’ve found that it’s best to communicate this way, and more often to start with,” Paul Stewart, associate director for operations at recruitment agency Randstad was quoted as saying on Seek.

“Recruitment teams have a virtual daily start-up video call where the teams discuss business priorities. At the end of the week they have a team Google Meet wrap-up with some fun and celebrations,” added Stewart.

#2 Recognise achievements and foster company culture

It’s a plus for both hirer and hired to acknowledge the new employee’s accomplishments.

This instantly makes a new staff member feel valued, which fosters engagement with the knock-on effect of increased productivity. Employee recognition is also essential to creating a positive office culture which in turn also helps to retain top talent. Small acts of recognition can reap handsome dividends.

For example, highlight the employee’s contribution at a weekly meeting, or through a shared communication channel.

#3 Make the most of technology

While remote working creates physical distance that can make onboarding a trickier proposition, many of us have now seen close-up how savvy use of tech can bring the team together.

ALSO READ: 4 essential tools to help your team work from home

Without technology, embracing the new normal and working from home – as we know it – wouldn’t exist. While the technology already existed before working remotely became in vogue for many sectors, businesses are now actively embracing in technology through a multitude of channels as employees adjust to a new work paradigm, driven by the pandemic.

#4 Make new employees feel welcome

This can help greatly with the assimilation of your newest team member, albeit that your initial connection may be achieved remotely.  

“From day one, we have an entire onboarding programme that all our new staff attend. The program flows over the first 13 weeks of their career and involves group face-to-face virtual webinar training,” explained Stewart.

New employees at Randstad also receive a welcome email from the director prior to their first day, in addition to a video call from their company buddy.

Parts of this article first appeared on the Seek website.