Remote Onboarding 101: How to Expand Your Team Online

how to expand your team online

Is your company looking to expand and add new talent? Have you made the shift to remote working and plan to stay working from home for the foreseeable future? Virtual onboarding has become a regular occurrence in today’s workforce and growing your team with the right fit is more important than ever before. If you’re ramping up to hire new additions in the coming months, below are a few key tips to prepare for the onboarding process and ensure a smooth transition remotely. Read on to learn more!

1. Focus on Preboarding

Preboarding refers to the time between your new employee accepting the job offer and actually starting the new position. Ideally, your hiring team should have a fairly set practice in place, with unique considerations being given to the specific position, as well as employee. Use this time to acquire any necessary equipment, set up user accounts and passwords, and lay the fundamental ground work that will allow your new team member to hit the ground running.

2. Have A Personalized Startup Plan

Each position will be different, as will every new employee. Once the essentials are set up, it’s important to take some time to discern what specific information and assets your new team member will need to succeed, as well as a timeline of how fast you can reasonably expect to get them familiarized with all aspects of their position.

3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

As we mentioned above, it’s crucial to set a schedule and a timeline to your overall onboarding process, but you’ll also want to make sure that the rest of your team is aware of the new addition and that all involved parties are on the same page where your plan/timeline is concerned. Help senior team members, as well as positional peers prepare to welcome someone new and give them a chance to feel involved in building your overall onboarding process.

4. Be Present

It seems like common sense, but oftentimes employers can be so hurried throughout the onboarding process that they can forget to actually be present and “sit down” with their new hire once they start. Instead of passing off new employees on other team members and fading into the background, take some time to sit down with them over virtual platforms like Zoom and establish an accessible dynamic that leaves them feeling confident and valued.

5. Infuse Company Culture

There’s no denying that it can feel tricky to truly highlight the unique aspects and perks of your company culture when hiring remotely, but with some careful planning you might be pleased to find that it’s often easier than you think. Consider scheduling a company cocktail hour or other kind of social events and find ways that you can make your new member feel right at home!

6. Give Them a Voice

Finally, let your new team addition shine and add their own voice to the onboarding process. After all, there’s a reason you’ve selected them to join your team! Encourage active participation and you’ll find that you’re off to a fantastic partnership in the long run!

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