6 Ways to Improve Your Remote Onboarding Process for New Hires

Remote working has become the norm for many companies, and as a result, new hire onboarding processes have had to adapt to this new way of working. Traditional in-person onboarding methods simply don't cut it anymore, and remote employees often miss out on the sense of belonging and community that in-person onboarding provides.

Having a structured and successful onboarding process is crucial for the long-term success of both the employee and the company. Studies have shown that a strong onboarding process can improve employee retention by 82% and boost job satisfaction and productivity. On the other hand, a negative onboarding experience can lower morale, increase inefficiencies, and lead to higher employee turnover.

At Retreat, we specialize in corporate culture and have compiled a list of 6 ways to improve your remote onboarding process. These tips will help you integrate new hires into your company's community, foster professional growth, and maintain a positive company culture.

1. Show Them You're Excited Your new hire is excited and ready to start their new job, so show them that you're just as excited to have them on board. A simple and easy way to do this is to send them a unique care package, such as company swag, gift cards, or treats. You can also take it a step further and send them welcome balloons, along with a personal note. This will make them feel valued and appreciated, and set the tone for a positive onboarding experience.

2. Create Structure and Learn in Small Steps Unstructured and casual onboarding can lead to a negative experience and poor long-term results. Instead, create a clear structure and effectively communicate it to your new hires. Break down the information into small steps and schedule it in a logical order. Communicate this schedule, your expectations, and learning outcomes in your first meeting. This will make your new hires feel more at ease and improve the effectiveness of the onboarding process.

3. Provide an Orientation Buddy New hires will have a lot of questions, and remote working can make it difficult for them to know who to ask. Provide them with an "orientation buddy" who can answer their questions, even the small ones. This will streamline the process, provide a friendly connection, and improve the onboarding experience.

4. Set Up Virtual Office Tours Remote employees miss out on the in-person office tour, but you can still provide them with a virtual one. Set up virtual tours of your office, including introductions to key personnel and an overview of the company culture. This will help them feel more connected to the company and its community.

5. Encourage Social Interaction Remote working can be isolating, and it's important to encourage social interaction among team members. Set up virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, or other social events for your new hires to participate in. This will help them get to know their colleagues and feel more connected to the company.

6. Provide Ongoing Support Onboarding doesn't end on the first day, and it's important to provide ongoing support to your new hires. Set up regular check-ins, provide them with access to company resources, and offer opportunities for professional development and growth. This will ensure that they continue to feel valued, connected, and engaged with the company.

Overall, remote onboarding can be challenging, but with proper planning and execution, it can be a valuable experience that will help to integrate new hires into the company's community and culture. By following these tips, you can improve your remote onboarding process and set your new hires up for success.