Working remotely has become the norm for businesses in 2020. While it is a necessary precaution, it makes welcoming new employees a hassle. So, here a few tips and tricks for on-boarding employees remotely.
Set Up Safety Precautions
Before a new team member begins working, establishing safety measures is essential! Walk through the process of signing in to the online system. Review how your company avoids hackers with a detailed video. The most difficult task will be in verifying identities. You may consider the use of identity proofing software. This allows you to be sure of who you’re working with, particularly if your team doesn’t have regular video chats. The abundance of online business has sparked a rise in hacking activity, so be cautious at all times.
Give Clear Instructions
Without in-person guidance, it can be stressful for a recent hire to begin working. This is why precise details and training are paramount to remote on-boarding. Provide a multitude of ways to contact management if help is needed. Make the online training extensive and specific. Don’t indulge in overly fanciful language – it may cause unnecessary confusion. Instead, put everything in layman’s terms and provide definitions for company-specific vocabulary. Include any and all important information in training – not just task instructions. Consider lengthening the process as well. Giving out information at a sedate pace will make training more accommodating and welcoming. You should also find a way to make the training’s particulars available at all times. Keep in contact with your new employee and ensure the assigned tasks are understood. It can never hurt to check in!
Display Your Company Culture
While your employees may not meet face-to-face, it’s important to convey the culture of your company. New hires need to know how to interact with colleagues and the company as a whole. Include the trainees in any company activities or video chats. Invite each new hire to join and become active in your social media groups. If your business prides itself in a friendly and fun-loving atmosphere, make it clear in your interactions. The tone of an e-mail can convey a lot about your business’ environment. Share any pictures and videos of your workplace as well.
Give a Formal Welcome
Be sure to be welcoming to your new hire. Send a friendly message from all of the managers. This will make the trainee’s transition feel more poignant. The buddy system is also helpful to consider. Assigning a new employee to a seasoned one will speed up integration. A buddy can guide the new hire through any issues. This connection will also serve as a tether to your company. It may be hard for the newcomer to feel a part of the group while alone, so establishing this tether is important.
Hold Group Events
Have some fun! A great way to integrate your new hire is to set up company events. Hold coffee video sessions in the morning to wake up and chat. While they may not be popular, have a once-a-month ice breaker session. You can even set up after-work online parties. Creating these events will give old and new employees a clear method of interacting. It’s also more fun than company-wide meetings.
Send Items
New hires will almost inevitably feel disconnected from the company online. After taking the above steps, try sending tangible evidence of your company’s existence. Sending swag will give new employees a physical way to connect with your company. It will make the trainee feel appreciated and seen. Not to mention, company swag is a great way to advertise locally.
Adjusting to remote work as the new normal can be frustrating, especially when bringing on new hires. The on-boarding process requires a lot more scrutiny and effort when done online. As long as you show a willingness to communicate, attentiveness to any issues and precision with instructions, your new hire will be ready in no time!
