Remote work offers many advantages, such as lower absenteeism, reduced turnover, and enhanced productivity. This is why it is becoming a widespread practice. However, remote employees have different needs than the ones going to the office. They will need the right tools, technology, and resources to ensure they are a good fit with the company, managers, and co-workers. Refining your onboarding process for them can help smoothen this transition. As a leading recruitment agency in Toronto, we are experts at helping you find the right fit for your organization. Here are some valuable tips to effectively onboard remote employees from our specialists.
12 Things to Consider When Hiring Remote Employees
Send a Welcome Package
When onboarding a new employee remotely, you may wish to send a welcome package and host a virtual lunch during their first day. This will allow them to meet their colleagues, understand the work culture, and help them feel they are a part of the team.
Recreate In-Office Experiences Virtually
Think of the personal touches that employees usually experience in the office and consider bringing them to life during the onboarding process. You can arrange virtual meet-and-greets and be sure to introduce them to the staff during office calls. You may also give them a peer mentor to talk about their work and discuss any issues they may encounter.
Give Importance to the Onboarding Basics
It helps to identify the essential aspects of the onboarding experience, such as easy-to-use technology, availability to answer questions, timely follow-ups, and more. These things will help create an immersive experience for the new candidate and allow them to work smoothly from the comfort of their home.
Help New Hires Build Connections
Onboarding typically involves admin and technical setup work. In addition to ensuring it is smooth for the new employee, you should also think about the integration process and create opportunities for new candidates to communicate with their colleagues and establish connections. Such programs can help them build meaningful relationships with their team and key stakeholders and assimilate into the work culture.
Host Regular Virtual Lunches
In addition to a virtual lunch on the first day for the new candidate, you could arrange similar meetups in the future. It could be a casual meeting with their managers after a project is done or an evening event with the team where everyone can relax and communicate. Doing so can make a difference in the onboarding process.
Provide a List of Key Stakeholders
The HR managers can create a curated list of the top stakeholders the individual will be working with and share relevant details. This will help them understand how they will work together in the future and accelerate the onboarding process. It also can help to provide important information or quirks that are unique to the account.
Use Introduction Videos
As part of onboarding, you may ask your employees to create introduction videos with details about them, their interests, and experiences to share with new colleagues. Hearing them talk about their lives outside of work makes them more relatable and fosters personal connections, even when joining remotely.
Create a Coaching Plan
Managers should take the necessary steps to build a relationship with new team members early on and help them understand how the team works. Regular meetings will allow them to keep an eye on how the new hires are performing. Plan a weekly meeting to understand their job expectations, answer their questions, and discuss their goals and priorities. Doing so will make them feel connected to the team and motivate them to perform better.
Cater To All Learning Types
Remember that people learn in different ways. During the virtual onboarding process, organizations should ensure all the candidates are comfortable. This way, employers can feel confident that all new hires understand their message and feel included and welcomed in the company.
Invest in the Right Technology
If your organization provides a laptop, mobile phone, or any other technological asset, be sure to send them ahead of their first day. This will help you overcome the onboarding hassles by allowing the candidates enough time to complete the initial setup and get familiar with the software. Moreover, having access to the right technology and equipment from the beginning is essential to make the process smoother. You may consider using video conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams if video calls will be a regular part of the job.
Set Realistic Expectations
As a prominent recruitment agency in Toronto, we often get candidates looking for new jobs because they feel unappreciated or experience burnout when working remotely with their current organization. Managers can avoid these problems by setting reasonable schedules and developing routines that work best for the candidates. When the employees know what’s expected, they’re more inclined to perform better.
Encourage a Supportive Team Culture
If an organization has multiple locations, it is beneficial for the new hire to virtually meet the colleagues they’ll be working with and people who make crucial decisions early on. This will help them get to know the organization and the team and make them feel at ease. Arranging a virtual team meeting is an excellent way to promote a supportive and collaborative culture. This can provide insight into how the team works, encourage interaction among the members, and show what a typical day at work includes. Doing so will allow them to plan for the new job and form successful partnerships when working remotely.
Work with Our Recruitment Agency to Find a Suitable Candidate
Winters Staffing is a reputable recruitment agency in Toronto, skilled at sourcing permanent and temporary positions for companies across industries. We have the resources, expertise, and experience to help organizations find the right candidate and identify the best options for those looking for work. We will understand your requirements and offer the best staffing solutions while ensuring that the candidates suit the job description.
If you are looking for a recruitment agency in Toronto to help find a suitable candidate for your organization, give us a call at 416-495-7422. You could also fill out our online form with your inquiry, and our staffing specialists will get back to you quickly.
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