Essential Checklist for Onboarding Remote Employees Successfully

  Remote employees have shifted from being the exception to a significant part of the workforce. According to a Gallup survey from June 2022, eight out of ten individuals are working either hybrid or fully remote. . This makes them the majority in many companies' cultures. 

As the remote workforce grows, companies must adapt their onboarding processes to ensure effective integration of the new hires. It improves retention and addresses employees' concerns about overly paperwork-focused onboarding experiences. It's time to make remote onboarding people-focused and engaging. 

Who Are Remote Employees? 

Remote Employees Onboarding  are workers who primarily complete their tasks outside the office. They might live down the street from headquarters or on the other side of the globe. Importantly, remote work does not equate to reduced productivity.

What Is Onboarding? 

Onboarding involves the process of bringing new hires into a company and helping them acclimate. It involves activities such as: 

  • Completing an initial orientation 

  • Meet colleagues 

  • Learn about the company's mission, structure, culture, and values.  

Smart companies have adapted their onboarding processes by collaborating with remote employees to understand their needs. For example, Stack Overflow arranges calls between new hires and company executives to share the company's story firsthand and answer questions. This practice eases the transition for remote new hires and fosters a sense of support and camaraderie. 

If you are looking to implement best practices for remote employee onboarding, look no further. Here are strategies you can use before, during, and after orientation. Also, find a remote onboarding checklist to foster a sense of community and improve new employees' happiness. 



Best Practices for Onboarding Remote Employees 

1. Start Early 

The initial days can be stressful for a new remote employee. To ease this, start the onboarding process early.  

For example, Company X is a hybrid workplace where new employees are added to team Slack groups. It sends information about company culture and upcoming projects before their start date.  

Other pre-start activities include sending training videos, offering company swag, setting up a mentor, or directing new hires to social media channels to build excitement. 

2. Get Employees Online ASAP 

Remote workers build their connections to their team and company culture through digital screens. 

  • Ensure new hires have access to essential tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc. 

  •  Start orientation with IT setup to provide new team members with passwords and access immediately.  

  • Equip your office with the right video conferencing hardware to facilitate smooth communication. 

3. Provide a Central Spot for Company Culture Tips and Employee Documentation 

Digitize all existing employee documentation and host it on a company intranet for easy access. Intranets can store information about company culture, operations, and project documentation. Understanding company operations is critical for any employee’s success. So, having this information readily available benefits both in-office and remote employees. 

4. Create a Sense of Belonging 

Remote workers often feel isolated and disconnected from company culture. A great way to combat this is by assigning a mentor or an orientation buddy to each new hire. Buddy programs have been shown to boost new hire proficiency and help foster a sense of belonging. 

5. Provide an Individualized Remote Onboarding Plan with Video Check-ins and Goals 

New hires value clear goals and one-on-one interactions with their managers.  

  • Develop a plan that outlines specific tasks and objectives for each milestone. 

  • Schedule weekly video calls to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide support. 

This structured approach helps new hires feel supported and engaged. 

6. Initiate Professional Development and Personal Growth from the Start 

Offer opportunities for new hires to access online courses and provide a stipend for personal and professional development. Training and development are important for employee satisfaction and productivity. Extend these opportunities beyond the initial onboarding phase to encourage continuous growth. 

7. Encourage Collaborative Learning 

Group projects or case studies during onboarding can help new employees form bonds. This also introduces them to colleagues from different departments and promotes collaborative learning. 

Remote Employee Onboarding Checklist 

Pre-Onboarding 

  • Provide new employees with links to company culture articles, videos, etc. 

  • Ensure any hardware (laptops, keyboards, etc.) arrives well before the start date. 

  • Add new hires to team Slack groups and provide access to company intranet. 

Day One 

  • Schedule a video orientation to review company mission and values. 

  • Assign a mentor and an orientation buddy. 

  • Provide digital copies of the employee handbook and onboarding documentation. 

  • Conduct an HR orientation to complete paperwork and set up accounts. 

Week One 

  • Arrange an IT orientation session to distribute tools, passwords, and offer software training. 

  • Host team orientation to introduce team documents, organization charts, and contact information. 

  • Arrange product, sales, or service orientation to explain company offerings. 

  • Encourage feedback to identify improvement areas for future onboarding. 

First Month 

  • Create an individual 30/60/90-day plan with video check-ins and goals. 

  • Arrange regular individual meetings to review progress and address challenges. 

  • Host virtual coffee chats and utilize platforms such as Donut to acquaint new hires with the team. 

 

Ongoing 

  • Provide role-specific training and certifications. 

  • Schedule calls after the first week, month, and quarter to touch base. 

  • Arrange in-person meetings or retreats for distributed teams to foster connections. 

 

Connecting Remote Onboarding with Startup Talent 

Startup Talent  redefines how visionary startups connect with exceptional individuals. Their services are primed for speed.  It streamlines the onboarding journey, rapidly connecting you with remote professionals so your projects don't skip a beat. The right virtual employee not only has the skills but also meshes with your team's workflow and culture. Want to know more? Give us a call at: +1 (209) 231-4575.  

 

 

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