Hybrid Onboarding Best Practices
Reposting this onboarding graphic from a while back as it is even more relevant today as we navigate the remote and hybrid workforce.
As managers, we have to create a sense of culture, belonging, and teamwork amongst teams who may not be physically together in one place. Onboarding, whether remote or in-person, is essential to the development of empowered, dedicated, and productive teams.
A successful onboarding process allows for greater employee retention and engagement. Here are some things to try and connect your remote and onsite teams with each other for a successful hybrid experience.
Utilize the technology that is already widely available:
Collaboration technology such as monday.com or Trello allows for teams to connect and collaborate successfully. Zoom and Teams allow us to stay connected and to see each other. Since 55% of communication is non-verbal, being able to see one another on video conferences allows for better connection.
Keep the communication going:
Communication is key to onboarding success, especially when managing employees remotely. Create trust and encourage your new hire to give feedback, voice concerns, and ask questions. It is important to set clear expectations, give constructive feedback and keep the lines of communication open.
Over-communication is essential when working with a dispersed team. Planning daily huddles and video meetings, using Slack, or other messaging tools keeps the lines of communication open.
Document your SOPs Build a library of your standard operating procedures so that new hires (and the rest of the team for that matter) can easily access this info. This will save you and other managers from responding to the same questions over and over, as well as set the standards needed for the team to adhere to. Tools such as Loom and Trainual build a knowledge bank of best practices and training.
Remote does not have to mean impersonal: Working from home can feel lonely or disconnected, you make new hires feel as welcome as if they were walking into your office on their first day. Sending a welcome gift from Snackmagic or the Goodgrocer, reach out on their first day with a welcome message, schedule a Zoom team lunch with the whole team to provide a genuine introduction, and create a positive employee experience.
Keep up the team spirit: Working solo from our homes does not mean we have to be in a silo. Create a cohesive work remote environment to enhance your company culture by having group social Zoom gatherings. Gatherings such as online cooking events, painting classes, or planning for a virtual scavenger hunt helps builds teams connect, build trust, and grow engagement.
Onboarding is much more than an orientation, it helps assimilate new hires into their work environment and culture. It is important to create an ongoing onboarding process that promotes greater efficiency and employee retention.