Remote Employee Onboarding Strategy For Startups

An excellent onboarding strategy can go a long way in influencing the employee positively. Every employee expects a smooth and engaging onboarding process. Companies should plan and have a robust system ready for new employees.

It is said that employees are more likely to look out for a different company if they are not satisfied with the onboarding process.

This can cost a lot to the company since there is great spending on the recruitment and training processes. This article will discuss the need for an effective onboarding process and provide tips for the same.

Why does a company need a successful onboarding process?

The initial days of an employee in a new organization are crucial. The employee should be able to adapt to the work culture and company structure with ease.

Having a system welcomes the employee and introduces them to the job and people at the organization.

Every business should take steps to plan a successful onboarding process. We will look at the reasons below.

Read the comments from one of IndieHackers' posts, called best onboarding process.

1. Onboarding gives the new recruits a proper direction

Once a candidate is recruited for a position, they should be guided appropriately and given proper direction to start working. Due to meetings and other commitments, the new recruit is often made to sit idle. This affects productivity and also the morale of the newcomer.

To give proper direction to the employee and make them ready for the job, the onboarding process is imperative. Assigning a mentor or a senior member of the team for this purpose can solve the issue.

2. Onboarding can benefit teamwork

People work in teams towards achieving the goals of the organization. The onboarding process includes introducing the new member to the team. When the employee gels well with the team right from the start, it becomes easy to work as a team.

Coordination among the team members is highly crucial. Communication as a part of onboarding helps new recruits to feel connected with the team. Employees are more open to clarifying their queries if the onboarding process is effective.

3. Onboarding imparts company culture

Every company has a work culture and ideals, and employees are expected to abide by the same. Introducing the company culture and what is expected of the employees should start right after recruitment.

Through onboarding, a company can explain the vision and mission of the business, its long-term goals, and the special features to its new employees. As soon as they set foot in the new organization, they will learn about the company as the end goal for both employee and employer is to be in a long-term professional partnership.

List of strategies for remote employee onboarding

1. Prepare early

Remote employee onboarding is as important as it is in a physical office. The first few days for an employee are already filled with anxiety; preparation for effective onboarding can help them a lot.

The company can plan at least a couple of weeks before and assign new joinees to groups where information about the job, company culture, etc., are sent.

Introducing them to team members virtually and getting them the necessary access helps them remain stress-free. New employees get motivated and are ready to start working.

2. Use technology

Remote work can be daunting, especially for newcomers. It is only with the help of an effective onboarding process you can make them feel engaged. There are many tools available online that can help in this process.
Employees can have some inhibition to opening up with their managers initially.

Assigning them to an informal group where query resolution becomes easier would be a great thought. A forum for virtual discussions can break the ice and make the new employee more connected with the organization.

3. Customize remote onboarding plans

Customizing the onboarding plan to suit individual employees based on their roles can be really helpful. This can be considered a more effective plan as it also considers the job's requirements.

Onboarding documents can be digitized and circulated among the new members. This can be referred to later as well. It gives a concrete idea of what and how the new employee is expected to respond.

New employee gifts as a part of corporate gifting can be a great gesture to include in the customization process. Several categories of welcome kits are available at Offineeds, and this help to motivate the new employees.

4. Prepare speedy online joining

IT set-up is the foremost thing the management has to pay attention to since remote working may suffer a setback if it gets late.

Connection to the company’s intranet, messaging apps, online tools, video conference software, etc., should be prioritized so that new employees are able to get to work without delays.

They can blend well even while working remotely if proper planning is in place from the company’s side.

5. Host feedback sessions

Remote working takes away the advantage of face-to-face interactions. To evolve better, the organization should know the feedback from the employees. Regular virtual meetings that help in learning the feedback from employees help to improve the employee welcoming process.

The availability of a forum where employees can address their views is essential in an organization. They can post their questions, which can be discussed in feedback sessions.

Conclusion

The onboarding process should create a sense of belonging for the new employee.
Whether they work in physical offices or from a remote setup, onboarding plays an important role in their relationship with the organization.

Once employees find the process impressive, they become motivated and are inclined to contribute more to the growth of the business.