Getting Acquainted with Remote Onboarding
Remote onboarding is like introducing new colleagues to your company, its culture, and their roles, all while working from home or another remote location. In today’s ever-changing work world, nailing remote onboarding is key to success.
Secrets to Memorable Virtual Welcomes
- Pre-Onboarding Fun: Before they start, send new hires a virtual welcome pack. Include company goodies, a friendly welcome video, and maybe even a digital scavenger hunt. Try personalizing the welcome pack based on the new hire’s interests and preferences to make them feel truly valued.
- Interactive Orientations: Host live sessions where newbies meet their teammates, play games, and take a virtual tour of the digital workplace. It’s like peeking behind the company curtains! Assign a ‘buddy’ to guide new hires through these sessions, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged.
- Engaging Training: Spice up training with webinars, bite-sized e-lessons, and quizzes. Let new hires learn at their own pace while feeling part of the team. Use gamified e-learning modules to make training interactive and enjoyable.
- Virtual Coffee Chats: Keep the coffee breaks! Schedule virtual chats for team bonding over a cup of joe (or tea). Have a different team member host these chats each time to mix things up and encourage cross-team connections.
- Digital Buddy System: Pair new hires with experienced ‘virtual buddies’ who can guide them, share tips, and be a friendly face online. Regularly check in with both the new hire and their buddy to ensure the relationship is supportive and helpful.
Fun Ideas for Memorable Virtual Welcomes
- Personalized Welcome Videos: Picture a video from the CEO, warmly welcoming new team members. It’s like having a celeb visit your virtual doorstep!
- Virtual Desk Tours: Have new hires show off their home offices during a team meeting. It’s a fun way to bond and see everyone’s unique workspace.
- Themed Welcome Days: Try ‘Favorite Hat Day’ or ‘Pet Parade Day’ during the first week. It adds a playful touch to onboarding.
- Tech Help on Speed Dial: Make sure new hires can easily reach tech support for speedy help with any digital issues.
Recommended Platforms for Remote Onboarding
Here are some platforms that can facilitate the remote onboarding process:
- Zoom: Ideal for hosting live orientation sessions and virtual coffee chats.
- Slack: Great for creating channels dedicated to onboarding where new hires can ask questions and interact with team members.
- Trello or Asana: Useful for organizing and tracking onboarding tasks and training modules.
- Loom or Vimeo: Perfect for creating personalized welcome videos.
The Impact of Unforgettable Virtual Welcomes
Fun and engaging onboarding creates an impressive first day and builds lasting engagement, productivity, and loyalty. Happy employees tend to stick around.
In Conclusion
Remote onboarding isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s an exciting journey. By adding some fun, you’ll turn virtual entrances into unforgettable experiences, setting the stage for a harmonious work relationship.
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Additional to BCJobs.ca, Simon is hosting unfiltered conversations with marketing experts in our podcast “Marketing On Mars”. Tune into our last episode to hear from Marketing Leaders how they approach work and how they grew in their careers.
