With remote working becoming more commonplace and some businesses starting to get back on track, there’s a genuine possibility you may need a plan for remote onboarding and inductions.
Why do I need a plan for onboarding new staff?
Whether your recruits are working in your office or remotely, onboarding and inductions are a vital part of introducing new staff to the way your business operates. No matter what type of business you’re in, every new employee needs this opportunity.
Onboarding also plays an essential role in helping a new employee feel welcome and included. Your onboarding plan should include introducing them to team members, your systems, processes and your company culture.
A well-planned onboarding strategy will help to set new employees up for success, help them integrate into your business more easily and may even help them stay with you longer.
6 Tips for creating a successful remote induction
While most businesses already have an induction or onboarding process, it’s important to realise that running the process remotely may require a few tweaks or changes to ensure the process stays effective. Here are 6 tips to help you.
- Be prepared
Plan ahead and have a back-up plan in place. If there’s one thing we’ve learned in 2020, it’s that you never know what’s going to happen or when. But you can plan for different scenarios.
Digital technology can be notoriously tricky just when you need it the most. Make sure your new employees receive their onboarding packs early, either by email or mail. That way you know they are ready for day one even if something goes wrong.
- Take time to introduce the team
When a new employee starts on-site, there’s an easy opportunity to take them around and introduce them to the team. Remote workers don’t have the same opportunity. Instead, set-up video calls with colleagues to do introductions, perhaps even include some ice breakers, and assign the new team member with a buddy to support them while they find their feet.
- Mix it up
Be careful not to overwhelm new employees in their first week. You should mix-up your onboarding documentation and learning with team introductions and meetings. Include screen breaks or use a condensed version of your traditional induction process to avoid overwhelm and fatigue.
- Remember to include health and safety
Work health and safety are essential in every workplace – even when staff work remotely. To protect your new employee and your business, ensure you include a remote workplace assessment into the induction process.
- Have a little fun
Creating community is really important for remote workers. Having a sense of belonging and team spirit will help to integrate them into the workplace. Find fun virtual games online to begin establishing a sense of inclusivity.
- Clearly define your channels of communication
Make sure your new employees know your preferred methods of communication and to whom they should report. A clear understanding of the communication options within your business will be essential, especially for remote workers.
Whether you’re already recruiting or just getting prepared for the future, The HR Dept is here to help you. Get in touch with us today.