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As the world becomes increasingly digital, virtual teams are becoming the new norm, and this trend is set to continue well into the future. The shift to virtual workspaces necessitates a fresh approach to the employee onboarding process, a critical component of the overall employee experience. In fact, an effective onboarding process can boost retention of new hires by 82%. First impressions aren’t just for employees; organizations are also under scrutiny during this period. A misstep could make a high-potential new hire rethink their decision. This risk is not worth taking in today’s competitive talent market. A lack of face-to-face interaction may make an employee onboarding process for virtual teams seem overwhelming at first. However, with proper planning and the use of automation tools, the onboarding process for virtual teams will become seamless. Follow these tips to make onboarding remote hires a success for your company.
Get the Conversation Started Before Day 1
Set the foundation for effective communication. Even before the new hire’s first day, keep them engaged with a check-in email. This can include an itinerary for their first week, bios for fellow team members or just a friendly welcome email to see if they have questions prior to starting.
Having an itinerary or other resources before their start date can help them feel prepared for their first day. It’s a way to let the employees know that you are excited about them joining the team and that the company is invested in making it a successful relationship.
Also, send a welcome kit that includes company swag, necessary equipment, and any physical documents they might need. This not only equips them with tools for work but also makes them feel part of the team.
Be Organized with All Essential Resources
Develop a structured onboarding program that covers company culture, policies, job roles, and expectations. This can be done through video conferencing, interactive webinars, and e-learning modules.
It’s also beneficial to provide a comprehensive handbook or resource guide for easy reference. This can include everything from company protocols to details about team structure and project
Host this vital information in a centralized area online that the employee can access at any time. Bonfyre makes it easy to distribute the right resources – from the handbook to payroll forms – to the right people at the right time automatically based on progress through the employee journey.
With Bonfyre App, you can provide non-desk team members with convenient 2-click mobile-first access via Bonfyre communities – customizing which resources are available based on community, role, or other factors.
Introduce New Employees in a Team Meeting
Regular team meetings are an excellent way to keep open communication at all levels. It’s an efficient way to ensure all team members remain aligned with the company’s vision and goals.
Introducing new hires to the team during a virtual team meeting is a great way to integrate them into the company. Encourage everyone in the meeting to introduce themselves, their role in the company, and an interesting fact about themselves.
In addition, you can use Bonfyre to create more visibility for new hires. Using Broadcasts or Announcements, you can introduce new hires to the entire workforce. This will allow other team members to react and leave welcoming comments for them.
During the employee onboarding process, organize team-building activities that encourage collaboration and foster a sense of camaraderie among remote employees. Have the team join a virtual escape room or partake in an online trivia contest together.
Bonfyre can create even more meaningful interactions. Launch a survey to see what everyone’s favorite movie or type of cuisine is. Then, create a broadcast that announces the results. These types of inclusive activities can help a new hire find commonalities with their co-workers, making for a better onboarding experience.
Keep an Open Line of Communication
Communication is key for a successful onboarding process for virtual teams. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss the new hire’s progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback. This ensures they feel supported and valued.
Alongside these meetings, it’s vital to establish a clear line of communication between the new employee and their superiors. Encourage the new hire to voice any challenges they might be facing or areas where they need further clarification.
Transparency in communication will not only aid in quicker resolution of issues but also foster an environment of trust within the team. Additionally, adopting a proactive approach by seeking regular feedback from the new hire can help identify and rectify potential issues before they escalate.
As new hires transition into their new role, assign a mentor or buddy who can guide them through the initial stages. This person can answer any questions, provide support, and help them integrate into the team.
Furthermore, the role of the mentor should not be restricted to just the initial stages. They should continue to serve as a source of guidance and support throughout the new hire’s tenure.
Over time, this relationship can evolve into a mutual exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Ensure the Employee Knows How to Use Communication Tools
Set your employees up for success. Make sure the new hire knows how to use all communication tools and who to contact for different issues.
To reinforce this, it could be beneficial to organize a specific training session focused on the efficient use of these communication tools.
This session should not only cover the technical aspects but also on the etiquette and best practices associated with each tool. For instance, when to use email versus instant messaging or how to manage their status on collaborative platforms. This will help the new hire understand the expected communication norms within the organization, promoting a more seamless integration into the team.
Bonfyre makes it easier to communicate with remote team members. It integrates with Microsoft Teams and is available as a mobile app for frontline team members. These options give your new hire autonomy in how they would like to communicate with the team.
Early Recognition for Achievements
Recognizing the efforts and achievements of new hires from the beginning is a crucial aspect of employee engagement. By acknowledging their contributions, you are not only validating their efforts but also fostering a sense of belonging and significance in the workplace. This can lead to increased productivity and dedication, as employees feel valued and appreciated for their work.
An easy way to ensure an employee feels recognized is by setting an alert from Bonfyre to send them a message on their three-month work anniversary. Make them feel appreciated by giving them a reward that can be used on over 1,000 gift cards. This allows the new hire to pick something that they would enjoy, which increases their job satisfaction.
During the employee onboarding process, recognize the completion of projects. Send a badge to them via Bonfyre for finishing their first task, or for going above and beyond on an assignment. These little moments of recognition really create a sense of company loyalty among new employees.
it’s important to create a culture where recognition is not just a one-time event but an integral part of the daily workflow. Encourage managers to regularly acknowledge their team members’ efforts. You can use Bonfyre to create nudges for management team members to perform certain actions. This will help cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment, driving both individual and team performance.
Make the Employee Onboarding Process for Virtual Teams a Success
Successfully onboarding employees in virtual teams hinges on a well-thought-out and executed plan that includes clear communication, effective use of technology, and fostering a sense of community. It’s crucial to help new hires understand their roles, the company culture, and how they fit into the team from the get-go. Regular check-ins, engaging training sessions, and opportunities for social interaction are integral to making new employees feel included and valued. By investing time and effort into a robust onboarding process, businesses can boost productivity, increase staff retention, and cultivate a strong, unified virtual team.
