Companies have continued to hire new employees even during the current crisis. However, they are facing challenges on how to onboard the staff due to some employees still working from home. Firms must find a way to give new employees a proper orientation remotely.

The benefits of onboarding can’t be understated. An effective boarding process helps employees to understand corporate culture, learn about their job and ensure that they have the right tools to become successful.

Despite the current crisis, it is still possible to onboard employees remotely. Here are tips to onboard staff virtually.

Leverage the Right Technology

It is essential to provide the new employees with the right devices such as a laptop, smartphone or other office equipment they may need. Send them all items they need to complete tasks before the first day.

Utilising technology such as webcasts, emails, and internal platforms where information is readily available is critical. The main challenge in remote onboarding is technology such as computers, phones and security access not being properly set up. Lack of necessary supplies is also a problem in remote onboarding. Giving the new hire the right tools on time communicates to them that they are the main asset in your organisation.

Employees will have enough time to interact with the person conducting the orientation process. However, it is difficult for the new hire to interact with other team members especially if they have never met face to face. The management can eliminate this challenge by using video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype for Business.

Set Realistic Expectations

Numerous workers are self-sufficient and hardworking. However, they may struggle to demonstrate to the management that they burn the midnight oil to meet deadlines. If their efforts are not seen, they may feel unappreciated and start experiencing burnout.

Managers can prevent the occurrence of such issues by creating schedules that align with individual preferences and developing routine for the new employees from the initial stages. When the new employees know what is expected from them, they are likely to balance their work-life and participate in other important issues to prevent burnout.

Promote A Supportive Team Culture

The new hire needs to meet people that make department decisions and colleagues that he will be working with. If you don’t introduce the new hire to colleagues, they will feel out of place.

You can invite the new hire to a virtual team meeting to make him feel included. A virtual meeting can help the new employee to learn how the team interacts, how the organisation operates and how a typical day at work looks like. Additionally, it is imperative to assign a mentor to the new hire. This will show the new hire that the organisation values personal development.

Design A Coaching Plan

Managers should strive to build a relationship with new employees and help them understand how the organisation operates. Besides, managers should check on the new hire regularly to see how they are adapting to the new culture.

It is managers duty to ask remote employees whether they are experiencing challenges since they may suffer in silence because they want to be seen as competent. Discuss their goals, priorities, the company culture and job expectation.

Telecommuting can be daunting to those used to a traditional office set up. Therefore, managers need to learn some few tips to onboard staff effectively. Managers need to maintain open lines of communication with the new hire to create room for questions and feedback. When employees feel connected with their colleagues, they are motivated and, in turn, make positive contributions.