You’ve hired a new team member and are excited to welcome them to the team. But in the work-from-home culture we’ve become accustomed to, how can your business ensure that they still feel connected to the team and receive the proper onboarding experience that they deserve? Gestures might not be as simple as catering breakfast on their first day but establishing relationships with online hires is still achievable – and arguably, more important than ever before. In fact, 60% of employers are facing difficulties trying to keep employees and are expecting the problem to continue in 2022.
Acknowledge the situation
Although nontraditional work models now come naturally for many people, that might not be the case for your new hires – especially if they are in entry-level roles or entering the workforce for the first time since graduation. Recognize that we are still living through somewhat unprecedented times, and that while they might be fully on-site in the future, their current experience shouldn’t lack the experiences they may otherwise have gained through an in-person workstyle.
Connect them with others
Introduce your new team members to people from various departments at various seniority levels. You should also connect them with other recent hires who can provide advice about working remotely. Ensure your team members are in the loop of projects and company news from the start. An easy way to promote inclusion is by inviting them to any relevant video calls so they can stay involved.
Pro tip: give them a role in these meetings when applicable – they’ll feel more valued and have a reason to interact more.
Promote development opportunities, even after onboarding
Continue providing applicable training sessions even after new hires are comfortable in their positions. Your organization likely wants to retain and develop these workers, meaning expanding their skills must go far beyond their first few months. Don’t neglect this critical aspect of employee retention just because of the times we’re living in. Keep an eye on their progression and overall wellbeing, even if time has passed since their first day.
Our HR administration solutions can help your organization recruit and retain top talent, while creating a seamless, effective onboarding process for both face-to-face and virtual employees. Contact our seasoned business professionals to learn more about the solutions we provide that help businesses thrive.
