Onboarding is important for any organization, serving as the foundation for employee success and retention. But with a hybrid workforce - where remote and in-office employees mix - onboarding can get a bit tricky. Remote workers often face unique challenges that can hinder their integration into a company. Studies show that a negative onboarding experience can have a detrimental impact on new hires, which means employers need to rethink their onboarding strategies to ensure remote employees start on the right foot.
Challenges of Hybrid Onboarding
37.4% of HR professionals find remote onboarding to be the main challenge when filling a position. This stems from the hurdles remote employees face, like difficulty building relationships, feeling disconnected from the company culture, and communication gaps. And then there’s the tech side- are your remote employees equipped with the right tools? Without easy access to an IT department, troubleshooting tech problems remotely can be a major pain point. So, how can employers use onboarding to minimize these challenges?
- Provide the Right Technology and Support
Remote employees need more than just a laptop. One in six Millennial and Gen Z workers have left jobs due to outdated or unreliable technology. Make sure your new hires are set up with the right equipment like monitors and charging accessories to create a productive home setup. Coordinate an IT meeting early on to walk them through key software and ensure they have access to emails, passwords, and systems so they can hit the ground running without frustrating technological setbacks. Additionally, include a walkthrough of frequently used platforms and applications, like Zoom, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Office Suite, to ensure they feel confident with these tools.
- Communicate and Provide Resources
Remote work can create barriers to open communication, so it’s crucial to be as clear as possible during the onboarding process to minimize confusion and set proper expectations. Establish guidelines for how and when to use different communication tools- whether that’s email, video calls, or chat applications- to promote effective collaboration. Encourage new hires to reach out if they ever need help or have a question; it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in a new environment. Additionally, provide digital copies of resources that help new hires get a well rounded understanding of the company, like the company’s mission and values, organizational charts, employee directories, and any other standard documents.
- Build Relationships and Culture
Building relationships and grasping company culture can be challenging for remote employees, so it’s important to create opportunities for connection. Introduce new hires to their teammates through virtual meet-and-greets or team introductions, allowing them to put faces to names. Consider pairing them with a mentor or buddy who can guide them through their transition. Creating a welcoming environment where remote employees can engage and form bonds with their peers enhances their sense of belonging and contributes to a positive workforce culture. Additionally, send a welcome package with branded goodies, such as company apparel or office essentials, to bring a piece of your company’s culture into their home. This small gesture reinforces a new hire’s sense of belonging.
Key Takeaways
Putting in the extra effort to ensure your remote employees feel prepared and included pays off significantly, leading to happier and more productive team members. With 24% of companies lacking a solid onboarding strategy, adopting some of these guidelines can make a noticeable difference in employee satisfaction and retention. In fact, many of these onboarding practices are effective in an in-office setting as well. While onboarding in person is easier, the same level of effort is important to ensure that all employees- remote or in-office- feel valued from day one.
Conclusion
Successfully managing and supporting your employees is vital to a thriving workplace. At Madison, we help companies empower employees through reward and recognition programs. Get in touch to learn more.