Virtual Onboarding: Everything You Need To Know

Technology has revolutionized our lives in numerous ways. As we all try to adjust to this “new normal,” people move towards remote work and onboarding procedures.

You’ve come to the right spot if you would like to learn more about virtual onboarding. This page will explain the basics of virtual onboarding and will highlight the advantages.

What is Virtual Onboarding?

Virtual onboarding is a brand new concept. Virtual onboarding is similar to traditional onboarding but is done on the internet using video conferencing tools and online resources. These onboarding processes are effective in explaining to new employees the terms and conditions of their employment.

Companies aren’t working in the same way for many years. Every circumstance requires an adjustment. Many companies have adopted the process of virtual onboarding to keep working throughout the COVID pandemic. Previously, the newly hired employees were required to learn about the company’s details from the already existing colleagues working in the company for years. 

Companies have made it more convenient for employees to access online resources, webinars, and interactive sessions from their laptops to help them at any stage of their corporate journey or in the onboarding process.

Challenges of Virtual Onboarding

While virtual onboarding might appear easy, it is challenging in reality. Companies face difficulties when they begin the process of onboarding. 

The challenge is to make employees feel at ease:

One of the most challenging elements of the virtual onboarding process is making new employees feel comfortable. It is much easier for new employees to get to know their colleagues and have face-to-face conversations instead of online interactions.

Gap formation

Virtual onboarding may also cause an issue between newly-hired employees along with their managers and supervisors. When you get to meet each other every day, interact now, and then and then, getting familiar with the new workplace or new job becomes much easier for the employees and the managers. However, it’s not like that in the case of virtual onboarding. Virtual onboarding doesn’t allow for direct interaction between new employees and managers. Instead, it’s restricted to video calls and conference calls. This automatically lowers the terms for promotion because there is insufficient direct monitoring of what the new employees are performing in their job.

Miscommunication

Communication issues are among the biggest challenges in remote onboarding. If a new employee can communicate with the company’s heads directly, they quickly understand the role they play within the organization through physical examples. But suppose the freshly hired employees decide to go through virtual onboarding processes. There is a chance of miscommunication between all employees and the company’s heads for the absence of direct communication and tangible examples to study. It’s possible that new employees don’t have a clear understanding of their roles within the company.

No harmony and teamwork:

Teamwork and harmony among employees is essential for a business to be successful. This is the toughest part of virtual onboarding. The employees lack connection with one another, they do not get to understand each other, so there remains no point of harmony in the work field, which can be quite negative for the company’s image. Companies with a lack of balance, teamwork, and human connection are less profitable than those who have hired them.

Virtual Onboarding Process

Remote onboarding isn’t all bad news. Organizations can ensure that their new hires get onboarded smoothly by utilizing an HR technology provider.

It is important to schedule meetings in the correct way.

Employee Engagement is the primary ingredient. You must coordinate with your team and establish a time that is convenient for your needs. In the beginning, you should plan a video conference between the new employee and the current employee to allow them to introduce themselves and get to meet one another. It will ensure that everyone is heard and ensure that you communicate with them regularly, starting from the beginning.

Keep your professionalism up while maintaining warmth

It would help if you were warm and professional when dealing with new employees. To ease stress and anxiety upon onboarding, you need to be professional with your new employees. It is essential to provide warmth to allow your employee to freely participate in team meetings.

Bring the latest technology to your employees

Many companies use advanced technology in this 21 century. One of the most important things you can do in onboarding is to provide your laptop from the company to your employees as soon as possible to help them get up to speed with the software setup and other requirements. It shows your employees how organized your organization is by delivering the required documents on time.

The importance of instilling the values of your company

It is challenging for the employee to understand the company culture and values in the virtual setting. It is best to begin the onboarding process online by explaining its culture and the code of conduct to employees immediately. This will help them quickly understand the concepts and incorporate these values into their daily routines.

Setting clear objectives and expectations

Each employee in the business has got a role to play in the progress of the company. During remote onboarding, it is crucial to make sure that new employees are well-informed about their part in the business’s operations. It is important to establish clear goals and objectives and how they will be assessed over time. Transparency is the most important aspect of communication. It will allow the work process to be more enjoyable for the new team members and avoid future problems.

Make a friend

Certain newly hired employees might require a longer span to get into the organization’s fold and contribute to the business’s growth. It’s simpler for new employees if they have a friend who they can talk to online during onboarding. This can help them learn more about the company’s policies and procedures. You may also consult with an old employee or an experienced one who can help the newbie.

You must monitor the progress frequently

There is a chance of new employees not being aware of the concept of “Zoom-fatigue” due to the sheer amount of work they have to take on while also receiving calls from the team. To improve the relationship between the workplace and employees, they must collaborate with a team member who can often solve the problems and issues related to everything tech.

The process should be enjoyable

HR and Heads of Departments need to provide fresh ideas and opportunities to newly hired employees to advance and shine in their work areas. These concepts should be discussed during remote onboarding sessions so that training and learning are easier for employees who are new to the company.

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