How to Improve the Process of Remote Employee Onboarding

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Onboarding new employees can be a challenge even if your company is doing relatively well in the face of the ongoing pandemic. A lackluster first day at work can set up for multiple failures that ultimately lead to resignation. An unfamiliar environment, unknown technology, and new people can make one feel overwhelmed.

 

Onboarding remotely does not make things easier. So if you are looking for someone new to join the team, make sure that your company has a solid onboarding plan and that the transition is smooth for both you and the hire. 

 

The suggestions below should be a solid reference if you feel like the onboarding strategy is not up to par and you want to make some adjustments.

 

Suggestion #1 – Develop Clear Milestones

 

A detailed onboarding plan is one of the keys to creating a functioning remote onboarding process. The plan has to cover important aspects, but you should emphasize milestones to measure how a new hire is adjusting to a different environment. 

 

Think of timelines when you want to see new employees reach certain milestones. Leaving new hires to their own devices will likely backfire because they are not familiar with the environment and need the time to get into the rhythm while not abandoning their work duties and remaining productive. 

 

Having clear and defined milestones and seeing how they work in practice will help in the future when you are looking for consistency. 

 

Of course, you have other options to improve consistency, like implementing a remote employee onboarding template developed by Ahoyteam if you use Slack or Microsoft teams for communication. However, the strategy should still revolve around milestones.

 

Suggestion #2 – Offer a Welcome Pack

A digital welcome pack should consist of general information that helps new employees settle and get in touch with others in case there is an issue. For example, contact information like emails and phone numbers of supervisors and other team members.

 

A welcoming video from the rest of the company is a good idea as well. It would show that you are joining a group of nice people. Not to mention that a video like this is a good ice breaker for when you want to start a conversation with someone. 

 

Suggestion #3 – Provide Secure Access to Work Tools

 

Be smart with how you distribute critical business tool login credentials. Those who have just joined should have separate accounts with limited features. This approach is for the sake of security and to make the adjustment period easier. After all, it is easy to get overwhelmed when you have more information in front of you than it is possible to process.

 

Suggestion #4 – Organize Off-Site Meetings If Possible

The onboarding process does not end after the initial phase. It is important to keep track of the development and plan the strategy for the future.

 

Supervisors who are in charge of teams should receive training so they can keep up with the most recent trends and not disappoint you and those who join the company, particularly when it comes to communication.

 

Suggestion #7 – Strive for Friendly Work Environment

 

Different people have different expectations when they become part of the team. For some, it is salary; for others, it is the prestige that they feel working in their dream job. 

 

Nevertheless, despite these feelings, a time will come when some may feel like something is missing. And that thing is the lack of interaction because of remote work.

 

A friendly work environment makes it easier not to feel isolated. In addition to organizing conference calls for casual chat or remote company parties, people in charge should offer other perks to those who cannot take advantage of them in person.

 

For instance, if someone is a sports fan, they might appreciate gym membership or a game ticket to support their local sports team.