Remote onboarding - how to make virtual onboarding a success
Definition: What does remote onboarding mean?
Remote onboarding is necessary in various situations:
- In times of Corona, onboarding in many companies had to take place in the home office because it was not possible to visit the office. This presented many companies with major challenges, as the processes that were often only available to a limited extent anyway were not designed for virtual onboarding.
- In companies that rely on the hybrid work model or entirely on the concept of remote work, onboarding must also be adapted to the location-independent work of new colleagues.
Using digital opportunities for virtual onboarding
Digitalization has also found its way into HR and many companies are increasingly using digital onboarding solutions to optimize their HR processes, not least driven by the coronavirus crisis. Numerous digital software and app solutions are now also available for the onboarding phase. These can significantly reduce the workload and make it more interactive. However, digital solutions are particularly important for virtual remote onboarding in the home office in order to create a meaningful onboarding process.
The possible uses of digital tools are just as diverse as the onboarding tasks themselves. The possible areas include, for example
- Onboarding software that can be used to digitally map the entire onboarding process
- Company wiki to make general information about the company and processes centrally accessible
- E-learning software to teach content on occupational safety, hygiene regulations and much more
- Interactive product demonstrations that show how to use internally used applications
Tips for virtual remote onboarding
Due to the physical distance, virtual onboarding differs from traditional onboarding in some respects. This fact should also be taken into account when developing the onboarding concept and the different requirements should be considered.
We'll give you a few tips to make remote onboarding a success.
Communication is king
Ideally equipped - even outside the office
To ensure that new colleagues are fully operational from day one, they should be equipped with everything they need to work from home or remotely from day one. This includes high-quality office equipment, above all ergonomic desks and office chairs. What else is needed to work productively (e.g. desk lamp, mobile pedestal or similar) should be decided by each employee themselves.
In addition to an ergonomic workstation, the most important thing is the technical equipment. This usually includes a laptop, an additional monitor and a keyboard and mouse as basic equipment. What else is needed depends on the task area and must be clarified individually. The technical equipment includes all the necessary software programs, such as the classic Office programs, video conferencing software and collaboration tools. Ideally, these are already pre-installed so that the "newcomers" can get started straight away.
With lendisOS, equipping new employees is child's play. Using the software solution, your new colleagues can select their desired equipment from a product portfolio defined by you in just a few clicks. Lendis then takes care of everything else and organizes the installation of the equipment, delivery and the assembly of the furniture on site. You don't have to do anything else.
Personal onboarding buddy
Teaching how to deal with remote work
Not everyone is confident in dealing with remote work. For some, video conferencing and the digital exchange of information are still unfamiliar territory. But in a hybrid working world, meetings and digital collaboration can only be effective if every employee is familiar with the most important tools.
Accompanies new colleagues throughout the entire onboarding process
Of course, the topic of communication should not be limited to the initial period. Even if the first few days have been successfully completed with many impressions, there should be a regular exchange with the new colleagues at every stage of onboarding. As part of remote onboarding, it is advisable to hold discussions at shorter intervals.
Managers in particular should take the time to discuss open questions or problems in short pulse checks. This shows new employees that they are noticed and are an important part of the team.